The Great Horned Owl is one of Arizona’s most widespread and adaptable raptors, found in habitats ranging from desert scrub and grasslands to riparian woodlands, coniferous forests, and even urban areas. Recognizable by its prominent ear tufts, large yellow eyes, and deep hooting calls, it is a powerful nocturnal predator capable of taking a wide variety of prey, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. In Arizona, it nests from lowland deserts to high mountain forests, often using old hawk or raven nests, cliff ledges, or cavities in large trees and cacti. Breeding typically begins in late winter, with eggs laid as early as January, taking advantage of the state’s mild winters. As a year-round resident, the Great Horned Owl plays a key role in controlling rodent and rabbit populations, and its adaptability has allowed it to thrive even in human-modified landscapes.