It is an adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. California and Andean Condors are, respectively, the largest flying birds in North and South America. True to their name, barn owls nest and roost in barns, silos and other human-made structures. The great horned owl (Bubo virginianus), also known as the tiger owl (originally derived from early naturalists' description as the "winged tiger" or "tiger of the air") or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas.It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas. There are over 40 different races of barn owls, but the North American variety is the largest and makes up approximately 9 percent of the world’s barn owl population. The Great Horned Owl (scientific name Bubo virginianus) is a sizable owl indigenous to much of the New World, including Central, North, and South America alike. Barred Owl . They can also be found living in large nest boxes, tree cavities and caves. The Great Horned Owl, (Bubo virginianus), also known as the Tiger Owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is frequently called the hoot owl for its vocalizations, or the tiger owl because of its multi-colored plumage, composed mostly of different shades of brown and white markings and patches. On average, the wingspan of a female is 4' 8" and a male's wingspan often measures an inch or two less. Its large size and lack of ear tufts make it a very distinctive owl. Head to tail this owl can be almost 3 feet tall and have a 5 foot wing span. In terms of body length, the California Condor (4.5 feet) slightly nudges out the Andean Condor (four feet). Barn Owl. U.S./Canada Population Estimate: 3,200,000 U.S./Canada Population Estimate: 120,000 Population Trend: Increasing Habitat: Grasslands, deserts, and agricultural fields Threats: Habitat loss, vehicle collisions Note: Besides excellent vision, Barn Owls are extraordinarily sensitive to sound; their ability to locate prey by sound alone is the best of any animal ever tested. Great Gray Owl A Reference for North and Central American Owls. The Great Gray Owl is the largest of the North and Central American owls. No, Asia is the largest continent, which is what I think you meant by island. The world’s largest owl is called the great grey owl, scientifically known as Strix nebulosa.. “Nebulosa” is a Latin word meaning “misty or foggy.” It is popular for being the provincial bird of the Canadian province of Manitoba.Other names used to refer to this unique bird include the bearded owl, cinereous owl, and Phantom of the North. The Andean Condor, however, wins when it comes to weight (33 pounds) and wingspan (10.5 feet) — nearly as long as a compact car. In terms of body length, the Great Grey is thought to possibly be the largest owl in the world, although the Eurasian Eagle-Owl and the Blakiston's Fish Owl are believed to be heavier.