Great Horned Owl
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Secondary flight feather (Remex), likely from the mid-wing (S4-S8)
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (Remex), likely from the mid-wing (S4-S8)
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broad and rectangular with a rounded tip; the vane is relatively symmetrical compared to outer primaries, though the trailing edge is slightly wider.
Size
Approximately 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length and 2.5 inches wide, which is standard for a large secondary feather from a Great Horned Owl.
Rarity
Common; however, feathers are often hidden in thick brush or under roosting trees, making them a moderately difficult find.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown and off-white/ochre banding. The bars are thick and dark brown, alternating with lighter cream-buff spaces. There is significant grayish-brown mottling (flecking) within the lighter bands.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous with specialized velvety 'fringe' or 'flutings' on the leading edge and a soft, hair-like trailing edge to provide silent flight. The base contains a significant plumulaceous (downy) section.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, velvety, and matte. The surface lacks the glossy sheen of raptors or waterfowl, an adaptation that breaks up air turbulence to allow the owl to fly silently.
Description
This feather belongs to the 'Tiger of the Air,' a large, powerful owl with prominent ear tufts. The Great Horned Owl is a heavy-bodied raptor with a 3-5 foot wingspan, known for its deep rhythmic hooting. The feather's soft texture and 'combed' edges are high-performance tools for nocturnal hunting.
Key Features
Soft velvety texture (the 'owl silencer'), broad rounded tip, and distinct brown-and-buff horizontal banding with fine internal mottling.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subalpine areas, and urban parks near Sidney, BC.
Geographic Range
Common throughout North America from the Arctic tree line south to Central and South America. Residents of Vancouver Island are generally non-migratory.
Condition Notes
Good condition; the barbs are mostly intact though the tip shows minor wear from flight or ground contact. No significant fault bars or parasitic damage visible.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls can apply 300-500 pounds per square inch of pressure with their talons. They are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have more distinct, clean horizontal bands with less internal mottling. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) feathers are significantly smaller and narrower.
Notes
Sidney bc Canada