Deer flies and horse flies are closely related blood-feeding insects known for their painful bites. Deer flies are generally smaller, with patterned wings and yellow, brown or black bodies. Horse flies are larger and heavier, usually with clear or uniformly dark wings. Both are active during the day and breed around moist environments, but deer…
A horse fly bite usually causes immediate sharp pain, followed by a raised red mark, itching, tenderness and swelling. Unlike mosquitoes, horse flies cut the skin instead of piercing it with a needle-like mouthpart. This creates a small wound that may bleed and take several days to heal. Most bites can be treated at home,…
The great horned owl is one of the largest, strongest, and most adaptable owls in the Americas. Recognizable by its prominent feather tufts, yellow eyes, and deep hooting call, this nocturnal hunter can capture surprisingly large prey. It also has an impressive lifespan, excellent nighttime senses, and enough strength to threaten very small pets. However,…
Great horned owls live across most of the Americas, occupying one of the widest habitat ranges of any owl. They can survive in forests, deserts, wetlands, grasslands, mountains, farmland, parks, and suburban neighborhoods. These adaptable birds usually need trees, cliffs, dense brush, or human-made structures for nesting and daytime shelter, along with open areas where…
Barred owls and great horned owls are two large North American owls that may occupy the same general region. However, they differ noticeably in head shape, eye color, calls, body weight, habitat, diet, and aggression. A barred owl has a rounded, tuftless head and dark eyes, while a great horned owl has prominent feather tufts…
Great horned owls are powerful carnivorous birds that eat an exceptionally varied diet. Mammals and birds provide most of their food, but they can also capture reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish, and other small animals. Their exact diet changes according to location, season, prey availability, and habitat. With strong talons, sharp hearing, excellent low-light vision, and…
The Indian scops owl is a small, secretive owl known for bark-like plumage, prominent ear tufts, and a repetitive nighttime call. Scientifically named Otus bakkamoena, it lives across much of the Indian subcontinent in forests, orchards, plantations, and tree-filled settlements. Although often heard after dark, it can be surprisingly difficult to see because it rests…
The African scops owl is a tiny nocturnal owl found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Its mottled gray-brown feathers provide outstanding camouflage, making the bird resemble a piece of bark when resting against a tree. Although it is difficult to see, its repetitive purring call is commonly heard in savannas and woodlands after sunset. This…
The spectacled owl is a large tropical owl recognized by the pale markings surrounding its bright yellow eyes. Native to Mexico, Central America, and South America, it inhabits rainforests, mature woodlands, plantations, and forest edges. This powerful nocturnal hunter eats rodents, bats, birds, frogs, insects, and other small animals. Although adults are mostly dark brown,…
The mottled owl is a medium-sized tropical owl recognized by its brown patterned feathers, rounded head, and dark eyes. It inhabits forests, plantations, gardens, and wooded areas from Mexico through Central America and into South America. This nocturnal predator spends the day concealed among dense leaves and becomes active after sunset. Its rough, hollow call…
