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
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical with a narrower leading edge (outer vane) and a broader trailing edge (inner vane). The tip is rounded, and there is a noticeable notch on the leading edge to assist in silent flight.
- Size
- Approximately 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) in length. This is consistent with the large wingspan of an adult Great Horned Owl, where primaries typically range between 22 and 32 cm.
- Rarity
- Common. It is the most widely distributed owl in North America and is frequently heard, though its cryptic plumage makes it difficult to spot.
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Description
A magnificent large raptor with distinctive ear tufts and yellow eyes. The feather reflects the owl's camouflaged 'bark-like' plumage, allowing it to blend into trees. These owls are powerful apex predators with a wingspan of up to 5 feet.
Colour & Pattern
Bold horizontal banding (barring) of dark chocolate brown and Mottled buff/white. Underlying color is a creamy tan or ochre. The rachis transitions from a translucent cream at the base to a dark brown towards the tip.
Barb Structure
Densely interlocked pennaceous structure throughout the vane, transitioning to a soft, plumulaceous (downy) base. Features a specialized 'velvety' fringe on the leading edge for sound suppression.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky to the touch (soft-shelled). It has a matte finish with a distinct fuzzy or velvety pile on the dorsal surface, which reduces friction and wind noise.
Key Features
Heavy chocolate-brown barring, warm buffy-orange undertones, and the specialized 'velvet' fringe on the leading edge (denticulations) diagnostic of large owls.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and coniferous forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks. Prefers edge habitats for hunting.
Geographic Range
Extensive range encompassing most of North America from the Arctic tree line south through Central America and into parts of South America. Primarily a non-migratory resident.
Ecological Role
Top-tier predator that controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They serve as an important indicator of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but significantly smaller and more slender. Barred Owl feathers lack the warm buff/orange tones and have more uniform, grayish-brown barring.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip strength of up to 500 PSI, more powerful than a human's handshake. They are also one of the few animals that regularly prey upon skunks because they have a poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The vane is intact with no significant fraying or fault bars. It appears to be a naturally molted feather from a healthy adult bird.