Great Horned Owl (also nicknamed the Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Contour feather (Body feather) likely from the upper wing coverts or flank region.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Contour feather (Body feather) likely from the upper wing coverts or flank region.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly rounded and slightly spatulate with a soft, blunt tip; symmetrical vane indicative of a body or covert feather rather than a primary flight feather.
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches (10-12 cm) in length, which is typical for a large contour or covert feather on a Great Horned Owl.
Rarity
Common; it is one of the most widespread and successful birds of prey in the Americas, though its nocturnal nature makes it easier to hear than see.
Color & Pattern
Mottled 'salt and pepper' pattern with transverse dusky brown barring over a cream or buff-colored background. The tip shows darker brown pigmentation while the base is pure white.
Barb Structure
The top half is pennaceous but extremely soft; the base is plumulaceous (downy). Features a specialized 'velvet' or fimbriate upper surface characteristic of owls to muffle sound.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and 'velvety' to the touch. It has a matte finish designed to absorb light and sound, lacking the glossy oils found in waterfowl.
Description
This feather displays the classic camouflaged 'woodland' pattern of the Great Horned Owl. The bird itself is a massive raptor reaching 18 to 25 inches in length with a 3-to-5-foot wingspan, identifiable by its large ear tufts and yellow eyes.
Key Features
Velvety surface texture, mottled brown and buff barring, and a very soft, downy lower half are diagnostic for this species.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or citrus groves.
Geographic Range
Extensive range across North and South America, from the subarctic tunda to the southern tip of South America. They are generally non-migratory permanent residents.
Condition Notes
Good condition with some slight separation of the barbs near the tip; the downy base is intact, suggesting it was naturally molted recently.
Interesting Facts
Owl feathers are unique for their 'silent flight' adaptations. The soft fringes on the edges and the velvet-like surface break up air turbulence, allowing them to ambush prey in total silence.
Ecological Role
Top-tier nocturnal predator; helps control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of forest health.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower and more orange-buff), Barred Owl feathers (more distinct horizontal banding, less mottled), and Great Gray Owl feathers (colder gray tones).