Frequents a wide variety of forest and habitats, usually with scattered openings.

Large size, conspicuous ear tufts. This is the owl that most novice and non-birders are familiar with; its 5 to 8 note call is easily learned. Note chestnut facial disk, yellowish eyes, and barred underparts.

Typically nests in a tree. Usually uses old tree nest of hawk, heron, or crow. Feeds mostly on rabbits, hares, mice, and even coots or other waterfowl; in fact, diet is considered to be the most diverse of all North American raptors.