Great Horned Owl (Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: B. virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical vane typical of flight feathers; the leading edge is narrower than the trailing edge. The tip is rounded and shows distinctive emargination (notching) which aids in silent flight.
- Size
- Approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary flight feathers of a large female or male Great Horned Owl.
- Rarity
- Common and widespread throughout its range, though they are most active at night and more often heard than seen.
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Description
This is a primary flight feather from a Great Horned Owl, a powerful apex predator. The bird has a wingspan of 3-5 feet and is known for its iconic 'ear tufts' and deep, rhythmic hooting. Its feathers are specifically adapted for silent flight to ambush prey.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled brownish-gray and dark brown horizontal banding (bars). The base shows lighter, almost white or cream mottling. This disruptive coloration provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane with a small plumulaceous section at the base. The leading edge features a soft, comb-like fringe (fimbriae) and the surface is covered in a velvet-like pile (piloerection) to muffle sound.
Texture & Surface
Remarkably soft and silky to the touch. It has a matte finish due to the specialized structure of the barbules designed to absorb sound rather than reflect light.
Key Features
Velvety surface texture, 'finned' or fringed leading edge for sound dampening, distinctive dark brown barring, and a rounded, notched tip.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban woodlots.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, stretching from the northern tree line in Alaska and Canada down through Central America to the tip of South America.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They occupy a high trophic level and are indicators of a healthy ecosystem.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (smaller, different barring density), Barred Owl (shorter primaries, different tip shape), and Eurasian Eagle-Owl (larger, different geographic context).
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip strength of up to 500 PSI, similar to a large dog. They are one of the few animals that regularly prey on skunks because they have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is slight separation of the barbs (splits) near the mid-section, possibly from handling or natural wear. The calamus is clean, suggesting it was naturally molted.