Folly hath eagle’s wings, but the eyes of an owl

Folly hath eagle’s wings, but the eyes of an owl.

A Dutch proverb

Great Horned Owl: Have you seen this bird?

Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus, is a large owl native to the Americas.

It is quite an adaptable bird and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.

Identification Tips:
• Length: 20 inches Wingspan: 55 inches
• Sexes similar
• Very large owl with prominent ear tufts
• Yellow eyes and dark bill
• Upperparts mottled brown, gray, and black
• Pale underparts with fine brown bars
• Reddish-brown facial disks bordered by black with a lower border of white
• White throat patch
• Pale gray form inhabits northern Canada

Similar species:
Only the Long-eared Owl shares the red facial disks and prominent ear tufts, but is much smaller and slenderer, is barred and streaked on the belly, lacks the white throat, and has its ear tufts set closer together.

The Great Horned Owl has a wide range and a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.

Owls have spectacular binocular vision allowing them to pinpoint prey and see in low light. The eyes of Great Horned Owls are nearly as large as those of humans.

An owl’s hearing is as good – if not better – than its vision; they have better depth perception and better perception of sound elevation (up-down direction) than humans.

Folly hath eagle’s wings, but the eyes of an owl.

Bird Quote Popularity Poll

(4 answers max)

• Quotation: IFolly hath eagle's wings, but the eyes of an owl

  • I understand the quote
  • I've heard it before
  • I've used the quote
  • It's an interesting quote
  • Not good. Thumbs down!

  View Results

   Loading ...

Add any comments below and/or indicate if you spotted this bird.

Folly hath eagle’s wings, but the eyes of an owl.

Bird Quotes Notice
Please submit bird sayings, bird quotes, bird poems, bird quotations, or your own bird quote. Enter the bird quotation for others to enjoy by filling out the Submit form on the menu.

Large view +
credit