Toby is a female Great horned Owl (Bubo Virginianus). She came to the Vet Hospital in 2006 from the Greater Pullman Area. She was diagnosed with head trauma which is thought to be caused by getting hit by a car. She doesn’t act like a normal great horned owl should and she can’t move one of her feathered horns giving her a lopsided look. Also Toby is currently flight trained.

Great Horned Owls are named for the feathers on the top of their heads which resemble horns. They have large bodies with brown and black feathering. Their facial disks are not as round as in other owl species and are a tan or buff color. They have a prominent white bib on the upper chest. They have large, yellow eyes. Great Horned Owls are one of the largest and most powerful owls in North America weighing up to 4 pounds. They can take prey up to 2 – 3 times their own weight. Over 250 different birds and animals have been identified as prey, including porcupines, skunks, snakes, owls and other birds, rodents, and fish. Great Horned Owls have very powerful feet and can exert 400 pounds of pressure per square inch.