Great Horned Owl (Hoot Owl, Winged Tiger)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: B. virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a broad, rounded tip and extremely soft, fluffy margins
- Size
- Approximately 4 to 5 inches long, typical of large contour or flank feathers from this species
- Rarity
- Common and widespread
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Description
The Great Horned Owl is a powerful, heavily built apex predator of the night, easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts, striking yellow eyes, and deep, resonant hooting calls
Colour & Pattern
Mottled earthy brown, grey, and white barring with distinct dark brown cross-bands near the rounded tip
Barb Structure
Highly plumulaceous at the base with disconnected, hair-like barbs providing insulation; pennaceous toward the tip with specialized velvety texture
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, velvety, and matte texture designed to muffle sound during flight
Key Features
Velvety soft texture, muted earthy brown and white barred pattern, and fluffy plumulaceous base designed for silent flight
Habitat
Incredibly adaptable, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, deserts, swamps, tundra edges, and urban parks
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout North America, Central America, and South America
Ecological Role
Acts as a top nocturnal apex predator controlling rodent, rabbit, and medium-sized mammal populations
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), distinguished by differing bar patterns and coloration
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls possess exceptionally strong talons requiring up to 28 pounds of force to open, and they are primary apex predators that frequently prey upon skunks and other raptors
Condition Notes
Good overall condition with intact barbs near the tip, though slightly frayed at the fluffy base