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 · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Body contour feather with prominent downy (semiplume) base
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Body contour feather with prominent downy (semiplume) base
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly rounded with a spatulate outline; symmetrical vane typical of body contour feathers
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. This is consistent with a flank or upper leg contour feather in the medium-large size range for this species.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and successful large owls in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Base color is off-white to creamy buff. It features two to three distinct, horizontal dark brown to charcoal bars toward the tip. The distal tip remains white, typical of the bird's underside or leg feathers.
Barb Structure
Transition from highly plumulaceous (fluffy/downy) at the base to pennaceous (structured) at the distal end. Notable velvet-like soft barbules on the pennaceous portion for noise reduction.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and matte. Lacks the glossy waxiness of waterfowl feathers. The leading edges and surfaces have a specialized 'fringed' texture to facilitate silent flight.
Description
A powerful, nocturnal apex predator with large yellow eyes and 'ear' tufts. This feather reflects the bird's camouflaged plumage, which is a mix of mottled browns, grays, and whites designed to mimic tree bark or dappled light.
Key Features
Bold horizontal dark bars contrasting with a creamy buff background; a large, highly developed downy base (plumulaceous section) that provides exceptional insulation.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America—from the Arctic treeline south through Central America and parts of South America.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the barbs are mostly intact, suggesting a relatively recent molt. Slight separation in the pennaceous barbs near the tip is consistent with natural wind wear.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip of approximately 300-500 psi, which is comparable to that of a Golden Eagle. They are also one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have similar barring but generally show more vertical streaking on body feathers. Long-eared Owl feathers are smaller and often more orange-toned.