Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Flight feather, specifically a primary feather from the wing, likely P8 or P9 based on the strong asymmetry.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Flight feather, specifically a primary feather from the wing, likely P8 or P9 based on the strong asymmetry.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Highly asymmetrical vane with a prominent narrowed leading edge and a broad trailing edge. The tip is slightly tapered and the overall shape is elongated and curved.
Size
Approximately 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of a large female Great Horned Owl, which generally range between 9 and 13 inches.
Rarity
Common. They are the most widely distributed owl in the Americas and are frequently encountered by those looking/listening at dusk.
Color & Pattern
Boldly banded with alternating dark chocolate brown or charcoal and cream-to-white bars. The base of the feather is largely white, transitioning into intense mottling and regular horizontal barring toward the tip.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane but with a plumulaceous (fluffy) base. It features specialized 'fimbriae' or comb-like serrations on the leading edge and a velvety pile on the surface to dampen sound.
Texture & Surface
The surface is exceptionally soft and silky to the touch, with a characteristic 'velvety' feel on the dorsal side. The leading edge feels fringed rather than sharp, an adaptation for silent flight.
Description
This is a primary flight feather from one of the world's most adaptable raptors. The Great Horned Owl is a large, thick-bodied bird with prominent ear tufts. In flight, their wings are broad and rounded, allowing for powerful, silent movement. This feather's banding matches the owl's cryptic plumage which mimics tree bark.
Key Features
Broad, dark brown horizontal bands; velvety 'hushed' surface texture; extreme asymmetry of the vane; fimbriated leading edge (the 'comb').
Habitat
Extremely versatile, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subarctic tundra, agricultural areas, and even urban parks. Requires some wooded area for nesting.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the tree line in the Arctic south to the tip of South America. They are non-migratory and defend territories year-round.
Condition Notes
Good. The vane is mostly intact, though there is some minor mechanical wear or fraying on the trailing edge. No significant stress bars (fault bars) are visible.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 500 PSI. They are one of the few predators that regularly hunt and eat skunks because they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health and habitat connectivity.
Similar Species
Snowy Owl primaries (whiter, less brown), Great Gray Owl (grayer, more uniform fine mottling), and Eurasian Eagle-Owl (larger, typically more orange-buff tones).