Nocturnal hunting requires no colorful plumage, so most owls-both male and female-match the dull brown, daytime camouflage of this great horned owl, Bubo virginianus. Smaller birds that spot a resting owl may mob it, drawing attention to its concealed perch. Other small animals are thus warned of the powerful talons and formidable 200 cm (80 in) wingspan of the nearby owl. A great horned owl keeps its food supply away from competitors (of both the same and different species) by defending a territory.

"Great Horned Owl," Microsoft(R) Encarta(R) 96 Encyclopedia. (c) 1993-1995 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.