Color: 

Grey-brown with white edges and a grey-white facial disc

Size:

18.9-20 in

Weight:

1.4-1.8 lbs

Average Lifespan: 

Up to 18 years (most die within the first year)

Captive Lifespan:

Up to 23 years

North America

Forests and woodlands

Mating: 

December-March

Gestation/Incubation:

28-33 days

Litter/Clutch Size:

1-5 eggs 

Mature: 

2 years

Small mammals up to the size of a rabbit, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates

Monogamous; solitary for most of the year, except during the breeding season. Nocturnal hunters. Very vocal species. 

1. Have a 9-syllable call.

2. Cavity nesters, but will also use empty hawk, crow, and squirrell nests.

3. During incubation of eggs, the female incubates while the male hunts for her.