Like the Cooper’s hawk (Plate 36), the Great-horned owl has adjusted to fewer meals than barnyards containing roosters, hens, and other fowl used to provide. John James Audubon noted “The Great Horned Owl lives retired, and it is seldom that more than one is found in the neighbourhood of a farm, after the breeding season; but as almost every detached farm is visited by one of these dangerous and powerful marauders, it may be said to be abundant. The havoc which it commits is very great.” In addition to those attracted to bird feeders, Great Horned owls and Cooper’s hawks are known today to commit havoc among birds and rodents occupying backyards, parks, and urban green spaces.
Plate 61 – Great Horned Owl
Plate 61 of the first edition of "Birds of America" by John James Audubon.