Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Slightly asymmetrical with a rounded tip and a broad, sturdy outline. The vane is wide and lacks the deep emargination often seen in primary wing feathers.
- Size
- Estimated at 7-9 inches in length. This is consistent with the typical range for tail feathers of an adult Great Horned Owl, which usually fall between 17 and 25 centimeters.
- Rarity
- Common; it is one of the most widespread and successful birds of prey in the Americas.
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Description
The Great Horned Owl is a large, powerful raptor with prominent ear tufts and striking yellow eyes. This feather reflects the bird's cryptic plumage which allows it to disappear against tree bark during the day. As an apex nocturnal predator, its feathers are specialized for 'stealth' technology.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled brown, tan, and cream banding pattern. The dorsal surface shows dark brownish-gray bars against a lighter, buffy-tan background with fine speckling (vermiculation). The pattern is designed for forest camouflage.
Barb Structure
The structure is pennaceous throughout the main vane with a plumulaceous (downy) base. A key feature is the soft, velvet-like fringe on the edges (fimbriae) which aids in silent flight by breaking up air turbulence.
Texture & Surface
Suprisingly soft and silky to the touch, with a characteristic matte finish. Unlike the glossy feathers of many hawks, owl feathers have a velvety pile that absorbs sound.
Key Features
Distinguished by the soft, 'velvety' texture of the vane, the irregular tan and dark brown mottling, and the fine fimbriae (soft fringe) along the edges of the barbs.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or woodlots.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident throughout most of North America—from the Arctic treeline south through Mexico and Central America into South America.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. They are highly adaptable and occupy a wide variety of niches.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but smaller and narrower. Barred Owl feathers have cleaner, more defined horizontal barring and lack the dense 'vermiculation' or speckling found in Great Horned Owl feathers.
Interesting Facts
The 'horns' aren't ears at all, but simply tufts of feathers used for signaling and camouflage. Their grip strength can exceed 300 psi, comparable to a large dog's bite.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is some minor fraying at the tip. No obvious fault bars or parasite damage are visible.