Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: B. virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Secondary flight feather (remex), likely S3-S6
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (remex), likely S3-S6
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Slightly asymmetrical with a rounded tip; relatively broad and rectangular outline typical of owl secondaries
Size
Approximately 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length, which is within the standard range for an adult female or large male Great Horned Owl
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and successful large owls in the Western Hemisphere
Color & Pattern
Mottled ochre and tawny-buff base with distinct, dark brown horizontal bars (banding); the trailing edge shows finer vermiculation
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous with a velvety, soft upper surface; features 'fimbriae' (comb-like fringes) on the leading edge to muffle sound during flight
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and matte; the surface is covered in a specialized 'pile' that reduces friction and noise
Description
A magnificent large owl with prominent ear tufts and a white throat patch. This feather displays the camouflaged 'bark' pattern designed to hide the owl against tree trunks during the day.
Key Features
Soft velvet texture, rounded tip, distinct dark banding on a warm buff background, and fine fimbriae on the leading edge
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in deciduous and coniferous forests, deserts, subarctic tundra, urban parks, and agricultural areas
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout North and South America, from the tree line in the Arctic to the tip of South America; largely non-migratory resident
Condition Notes
Good condition; minor fraying at the tip suggests it was a naturally molted feather rather than a predator-plucked one
Interesting Facts
The Great Horned Owl has a grip strength of up to 500 psi. Their ears are placed asymmetrically on their skull to help triangulate the exact location of prey in total darkness.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey like Red-tailed Hawks
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (smaller/narrower), Barred Owl (grayer/less ochre), and Great Gray Owl (larger/grayer tone)