Great Horned Owl (also known as the 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
- Asymmetrical vane with a broad, rounded tip. The leading edge (outer vane) is significantly narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane), which is typical for flight feathers to allow for aerodynamic lift.
- Size
- Approximately 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length. This is consistent with the primary flight feathers of an adult Great Horned Owl, which typically range from 18 to 28 cm depending on the specific wing position.
- 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, thick-bodied raptor with prominent ear tufts and piercing yellow eyes. This feather reflects the owl's status as a silent 'apex predator.' The bird has a wingspan of up to 5 feet and is known for its deep, rhythmic hooting. Its plumage is a complex tapestry of greys and browns designed for nocturnal concealment.
Colour & Pattern
Deep mottled brown and charcoal grey with distinct, alternating horizontal bands of off-white to buff. The patterning provides excellent camouflage (disruptive coloration) against tree bark. The ventral (under) side is lighter and more matte.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous and tightly interlocked throughout most of the vane. Crucially, the leading edge features a 'fimbriate' or comb-like fringe of soft barbs, and the entire surface has a velvet-like 'pile' (plumulaceous coating) to muffle sound during flight.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. Unlike the stiff, 'snapping' sound of a hawk feather, this surface is designed to absorb sound waves. It has a matte finish with no iridescence.
Key Features
Soft velvety 'pile' on the surface, comb-like 'fimbriae' on the leading edge for silent flight, and distinct dark brown/buff mottling/banding.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subarctic tundra, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks/cities.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident throughout North and South America, ranging from the tree line in the Arctic to the southern tip of South America. They are non-migratory.
Ecological Role
Top-tier predator; regulates populations of rodents, rabbits, and other birds. They are an essential part of the forest ecosystem and act as indicators of habitat health.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (smaller, narrower) and Great Grey Owl feathers (usually more grey, less brown). Red-tailed Hawk feathers are similar in size but lack the velvety texture and silent-flight fringes.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 500 psi. They are one of the few animals that regularly prey on skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is some separation of the barbs (splits) along the trailing edge, suggesting it was a molted feather that has spent some time on the ground being moved by wind or debris.