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Species Description
The Great Horned Owl is one of the most common owls in North America, and one of the most distinctive. Known sometimes as the “Cat Owl” because of the feathery tufts on its head, the Great Horned Owl is also found throughout central South America. They live in a wide variety of habitats (including urban environments), but prefer dense woodlands near forest clearings, which allow them plenty of perches from which to hunt. The Great Horned Owl preys mostly on small mammals and birds; they will frequently attack animals larger than them, and are one of the only owls that will prey upon other owls. They hunt by either scanning from a perch and diving down, or by gliding low over the ground; they will also chase prey on the ground and wade into shallow water after fish. The Great Horned Owl is also the only animal that regularly eats skunks.