Great Horned Owl (chick)

Description:

Great Horned Owls are the most populous owls in North America. They are extremely adaptable. This owl is a baby, probably around two months old. It has reached its full size, but has not molted into its adult plumage. This bird was an orphan. Great Horned Owls are particularly good at caring for their young- if a chick falls from the nest the parents will continue to care for, feed, and fiercely defend it. Sometimes, however, the chick will wander or the parents will abandon it.

Habitat:

Great Horned owls can be found in any type of forest, though they are more successful in mild, deciduous forests.

Notes:

This was taken in a rehabilitation enclosure at a raptor clinic I volunteer at. Orphans are usually 'hacked out,' meaning they live with and adoptive mother and after a while are allowed to leave while still being fed. Eventually they learn to hunt on their own and stop coming back for the food.