Great Horned Owl holding American Red Squirrel

Taxidermy model

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Strigiformes
• Family: Strigidae
• Genus: Bubo
• Species: Bubo virginianus

Common Names by Region:

• English: Great Horned Owl, Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl
• Spanish: Buho Cornudo
• French: Grand Duc d’Amérique
• German: Virginia-Uhu

Description: The Great Horned Owl, scientifically known as Bubo virginianus, is a large owl species characterized by its prominent ear tufts or “horns,” which are actually feather tufts. These owls have a distinctive facial disk, consisting of feathers arranged in a circular pattern around their eyes, aiding in sound localization. They exhibit a wide range of color variations, typically ranging from mottled gray-brown to reddish-brown, with white or light brown feathers on the throat and belly. Great Horned Owls have piercing yellow eyes and powerful talons adapted for hunting.

Known Range: The Great Horned Owl has an extensive range throughout the Americas, spanning from the Arctic regions of North America to the southern tip of South America. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas, demonstrating adaptability to diverse environments.

Diet: Great Horned Owls are formidable predators with a diverse diet. They primarily prey on small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits, rodents, squirrels, and even skunks. Additionally, they hunt birds, including other owl species, waterfowl, and occasionally prey on reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

Breeding and Lifecycle:

• Breeding Season: Great Horned Owls typically breed from late winter to early spring, with courtship rituals beginning as early as autumn. They are monogamous and often mate for life.
• Nesting: These owls do not build their own nests but rather utilize abandoned nests of other large birds such as hawks or crows, or they may nest in tree cavities or on cliff ledges.
• Eggs: Females lay 1 to 4 eggs, with the typical clutch size being 2 or 3 eggs. The eggs are incubated primarily by the female for about 4 to 5 weeks.
• Chicks: Upon hatching, the chicks are altricial and completely dependent on their parents for food and warmth. Both parents participate in hunting and caring for the young. Chicks fledge at around 6 to 9 weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for several months as they learn to hunt and fend for themselves.

Note: The Great Horned Owl, also known as the Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl, is a formidable predator found throughout the Americas. It exhibits distinctive ear tufts, a facial disk, and a varied plumage. Its diet includes mammals, birds, and other prey, and it nests in a variety of locations. Breeding occurs in late winter to early spring, with monogamous pairs raising offspring together.

American Red Squirrel

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Sciuridae
• Genus: Tamiasciurus
• Species: Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

Common Names by Region:

• English: American Red Squirrel, Pine Squirrel, Chickaree
• French: Écureuil roux d’Amérique
• Spanish: Ardilla roja americana
• Indigenous Peoples (North America): Boomers, Bangtails

Description: The American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a small, tree-dwelling rodent known for its vibrant reddish-brown fur and bushy tail. It typically measures between 28 to 35 centimeters (11 to 14 inches) in length, including its tail, which can measure up to 15 centimeters (6 inches). American Red Squirrels have large, dark eyes and prominent, rounded ears. Their fur may vary slightly in color, with some individuals displaying shades of brown or gray. They are agile climbers, well-adapted to forested habitats.

Known Range: The American Red Squirrel is native to North America, inhabiting a broad range of forested regions across Canada, the United States, and parts of Alaska. They are commonly found in coniferous forests but may also inhabit mixed and deciduous forests.

Diet: American Red Squirrels have a varied diet consisting primarily of seeds, nuts, berries, fungi, and tree buds. They are particularly fond of pine cones and are known to harvest and store them for winter consumption. Additionally, they may consume insects, bird eggs, and small vertebrates on occasion.

Breeding and Lifecycle:

• Breeding Season: Breeding typically occurs in late winter to early spring, with a peak in February and March.
• Mating: Female American Red Squirrels attract mates through vocalizations and scent marking. Males engage in courtship displays to woo females.
• Gestation: Gestation lasts approximately 36 days, after which the female gives birth to a litter of 2 to 5 offspring, although larger litters have been recorded.
• Nesting: Females construct nests, called dreys, usually located in tree branches or hollows. Dreys are made of twigs, leaves, moss, and other vegetation, providing insulation and protection for the young.
• Development: The newborn squirrels, called kits or pups, are born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mother for warmth and nourishment. They open their eyes at around 4 weeks and are weaned by 8 to 10 weeks. Juveniles reach sexual maturity at around one year of age.

Note: The American Red Squirrel, also known as the Pine Squirrel or Chickaree, is a charismatic rodent native to North America. With its vibrant red fur and bushy tail, it is a familiar sight in forested habitats across its range. Feeding primarily on seeds and nuts, it plays a vital role in forest ecology and is an important seed disperser. Breeding in late winter, females raise litters of offspring in elaborate nests constructed high in the trees