Great Horned Owls are one of Oregon's most widespread and recognizable owls, found in nearly every habitat type, from dense forests to urban parks and deserts. They are powerful, adaptable predators known for their prominent "ear tufts" (feathered projections on their head, not actual ears) and deep, hooting calls. Like many raptors, they exhibit reversed sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males, though plumage is largely similar.

General Appearance (Male and Female):
Size & Shape: Great Horned Owls are large, bulky owls with a barrel-shaped body, broad wings, and a short tail. Their most striking feature is their prominent, widely spaced "ear tufts," which they can raise or lower depending on their mood.
Plumage: Their plumage is a complex mosaic of mottled browns, grays, and black, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. They typically have a rusty or cinnamon facial disc bordered in black, and a distinctive white throat patch (bib) that is often conspicuous when they hoot. Their underparts are usually barred with dark brown on a lighter background.
Eyes: Their eyes are large and piercing yellow.
Feathered Legs and Toes: Their legs and toes are heavily feathered, even down to their talons.

Distinguishing Male and Female Great Horned Owls in Oregon:
While visually quite similar, the primary distinction between male and female Great Horned Owls lies in their size and vocalizations. Plumage differences are minimal and often not reliable for sexing in the field.

1. Size:
Females are noticeably larger and heavier than males. This is the most consistent and often the most reliable way to differentiate them, especially when a mated pair is observed together.
While individual measurements can vary, an average female Great Horned Owl in Oregon might weigh between 3 and 5 pounds (1.4-2.3 kg) and stand 20-25 inches (51-64 cm) tall with a wingspan of 49-60 inches (124-152 cm).
Males are typically smaller, weighing 2 to 4 pounds (0.9-1.8 kg) and standing 18-23 inches (46-58 cm) tall with a wingspan of 45-55 inches (114-140 cm).
If you see two adults together, the larger one is almost certainly the female.

2. Vocalizations (Hooting):
This is a very reliable way to distinguish them, particularly during the breeding season (which begins early, often in late fall/early winter in Oregon).
Males have a deeper, more resonant, and often longer hooting call. Their classic "hoo-hoo-hooo-hoo-hoo" often sounds lower in pitch.
Females have a higher-pitched hooting call compared to males.
When a pair duets, the difference in pitch is quite evident, with the female's hoots appearing higher.

3. Plumage (Generally Not Reliable for Sexing):
There are no consistent, reliable plumage differences that allow for easy visual sexing of Great Horned Owls. Both sexes display the same range of color variation (from darker in more humid, forested areas to paler in arid regions of eastern Oregon).
Some very subtle differences in the amount or intensity of barring on the underparts might exist in some individuals, but these are highly variable and not diagnostic.
Juvenile Great Horned Owls have softer, downier plumage and may appear paler, but these differences are age-related, not sex-related.