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
- Broad and asymmetrical with a rounded tip. The leading edge (vane) is significantly narrower than the trailing edge, which is characteristic of flight feathers designed for lift.
- Size
- Estimated at 6 to 8 inches in length. This is consistent with the flight feathers of a mid-sized to large owl; primaries for this species can reach 10-12 inches, while inner primaries/secondaries fall in this 8-inch range.
- Rarity
- Common; it is one of the most widespread and successful owls in the Americas.
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
A feather from a large, powerful owl known for its prominent tufts of feathers (horns) and deep, booming 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo' call. The bird itself is mottled brown, grey, and black with a white throat patch and piercing yellow eyes.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled grayish-brown base with distinct dark brown horizontal barring. The ventral (under) side is typically lighter than the dorsal side. The presence of buff-colored patches and irregular 'salt and pepper' mottling is a signature of Great Horned Owl plumage.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane but transitioning to plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base. Crucially, the leading edge shows 'fimbriae' (a velvet-like fringe) that dampens sound during flight.
Texture & Surface
Velvety and incredibly soft to the touch. Unlike the stiff, glossy feathers of a hawk, this feather has a matte, downy pile on the surface to absorb air turbulence.
Key Features
Soft-fringed leading edge (silent flight adaptation), distinct dark brown barring on a mottled grey-brown background, and a velvety surface texture.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, tundra edges, tropical rainforests, cities, and suburban parks.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America, from the subarctic to Central and South America. They are generally non-migratory.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
Similar Species
Red-tailed Hawk feathers are similar in size but are much stiffer, glossy, and lack the soft fringe. Barred Owl feathers are similar but usually have more regular, cleaner white-and-brown banding without as much fine mottling.
Interesting Facts
The Great Horned Owl has a grip strength of up to 500 PSI, similar to a large German Shepherd. Their silent flight is so effective that they can fly within inches of a microphone without being detected by sound.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The feather shows significant 'zipper' separation (breaking of the barbule hooks) along the trailing edge, likely due to wear or the bird's grooming/molting process.