Great Horned Owl (Hoot Owl, Cat Owl, Winged Tiger)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Tail feather (rectrix), likely from the central or inner-tail position.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Tail feather (rectrix), likely from the central or inner-tail position.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical wide vane with a rounded tip. The overall outline is elongated and rectangular.
Size
Approximately 8-10 inches in length. This is consistent with the rectrices of a large North American owl, which typically range from 20 to 25 cm.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and successful large owls in the Western Hemisphere.
Color & Pattern
Alternating bold horizontal bars of dark soot-brown and warm ochre or tawny-buff. The lighter bands are slightly mottled with fine brown speckling. The rachis is a creamy-white to light tan.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous with a specialized velutinous (velvety) surface. Distinctive soft serrations (fimbriae) are visible on the leading edges of the barbs to dampen sound. Plumulaceous downy barbs are present at the base (superior umbilicus).
Texture & Surface
Soft, velvety, and matte. Unlike the glossy surfaces of hawks or crows, this feather is designed for silent flight. It lacks the waxy waterproofing seen in waterfowl, feeling remarkably like fine suede.
Description
This is a robust tail feather from a Great Horned Owl. The bird itself is a powerful predator with a wingspan of up to 5 feet, characterized by prominent 'ear tufts' and a haunting four-to-five note hoot. Their plumage is a masterclass in camouflage, mimicking tree bark with intricate mottling.
Key Features
Broad, bold tawny and brown banding; uniquely soft, velvety texture for silent flight; rounded tip; thick pale rachis.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and coniferous forests, deserts, subarctic tundra, urban parks, and agricultural areas.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the northern tree line in Alaska and Canada through Central America and much of South America.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. The vane is intact with minimal fraying. There are no obvious fault bars (nutritional stress marks), and the pigment is vibrant, suggesting a relatively recent molt.
Interesting Facts
The Great Horned Owl has one of the most diverse diets of any North American raptor, regularly preying on skunks because they have a very poor sense of smell. They are also known to take over the nests of other large birds rather than building their own.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other smaller raptors. They are sensitive to habitat loss but are generally resilient to human presence.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, smaller), Barred Owl feathers (more grayish-white banding), and Great Gray Owl feathers (much larger, grayer, and more finely vermiculated).