GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — The great horned owls of Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) are working on their early courtship rituals.
GTNP posted on Facebook on Monday to share insights about the flirty owl behavior. Great horned owl mated pairs are monogamous and they will defend their territory vigorously before laying eggs. GTNP wrote that winter is prime time to hear owl acoustics.
“On crisp winter nights, their deep, resonant hoots carry far through bare branches and cold air,” the park shared.
The Owl Research Institute in Montana says that great horned owls typically lay their eggs between the middle of February and late March. Normally, a female will lay one to four eggs — most commonly two. The female will be in the nest with the eggs for the entire incubation period, which lasts an average of 33 days.
Great horned owls have extra soft feathers that serve as insulation in freezing temperatures. The feathers also allow for nearly silent flight while the owls hunt, per GTNP. Short and wide wings assist owls in their acrobatic flights through trees and wooded areas.
“If you are out around dusk or dawn, pause and listen,” GTNP wrote. “You just might hear a pair calling together, a duet of alternating hoots echoing through the trees. Enjoy the serenade!”
