Similar to many other owls, Bubo virginianus has large round eyes, which assist is night vision. The feathers of the bird have different colorings, depending on the geographic location of the owl. In desert and snowy regions, the plumage is lighter in color, while more humid regions have owls with darker feathers.
Females tend to be larger than the males, but for the most part, are similar in appearance.
Large talons assist the owl in catching and clutching its prey. The call of the Great Horned Owl is quite distinctive. More than likely, you will hear the bird before you see it, if you see it at all. There are almost sixty different species of owls closely related to Bubo virginianus . Because Owls are birds of prey, or otherwise known as raptors , they are also distantly related to hawks, eagles, falcons, and the now-extinct caracara.