Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large North American owl with prominent ear tufts: The "great horned owl" is a species of owl native to the Americas, characterized by its large size, brown plumage, and distinctive feather tufts on its head that resemble horns or ears.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The great horned owl is a powerful nocturnal predator.
  • We heard the deep hooting of a great horned owl in the forest at night.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Role: The term is used in biology and ecology to refer to this specific apex predator within its habitat.
  • The great horned owl plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.

Variants and Related Words

• Bubo virginianus: The scientific name for the great horned owl.
• Horned owl: A more general term for owls in the genus that have feather tufts. "Great horned owl" specifies the large North American species.

Synonyms

• Tiger owl: A colloquial name sometimes used for the great horned owl due to its striped plumage and fierce hunting skills.

Related Phrases

• Great horned owl's call: Refers specifically to its distinctive vocalization.
  • The great horned owl's call is a series of deep, soft hoots.
• Great horned owl nest: Refers to the nesting site, often a repurposed nest from other large birds.
  • The pair of great horned owls returned to their nest in the old hawk's aerie.

Noun

1. brown North American horned owl