Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Broadly asymmetrical with a rounded tip and a slightly curved outline. It lacks the steep emargination found in primary feathers.
- Size
- Estimated 7 to 9 inches (18-23 cm) in length, consistent with the inner wing secondaries of a large owl.
- Rarity
- Common and widespread, though rarely seen during the day due to their nocturnal habits. An excellent find in wooded environments.
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Description
This is a secondary flight feather from a Great Horned Owl, North America's most recognizable large owl. The bird itself is massive with prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a deep, hooting call ('hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo'). Their plumage is a complex tapestry of brown, gray, and black, designed to mimic tree bark.
Colour & Pattern
Alternating broad, dark chocolate-brown or dusky bands and lighter grayish-buff or tawny bands. The mottling between bands is a classic camouflage trait. The rachis is a creamy tan.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous barbs are tightly interlocked but finished with a soft, velvety fringe (fimbriae). The base features a significant plumulaceous (downy) section for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Remarkably soft and velvety to the touch. It has a matte appearance due to 'pilocover' (microscopic hairs) that reduce noise during flight by breaking up air turbulence.
Key Features
The combination of broad dark/light banding, the velvety texture (silent flight adaptation), and the soft, fringed leading edge distinguish this as an owl feather rather than a hawk.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and coniferous forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban woodlots.
Geographic Range
Resident year-round throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada down to the tip of South America.
Ecological Role
Top-tier nocturnal predator. They help control populations of rodents, rabbits, and medium-sized mammals. They are an的重要 ecological indicator species for habitat health.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers are similar but usually smaller with cleaner, more vertical white/brown stripes and less mottling. Red-tailed Hawk feathers are stiffer and lack the velvety 'soft' texture.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip of over 300 psi, which they use to hunt prey as large as skunks, porcupines, and even other raptors like Red-tailed Hawks.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. Shows some 'zipper' separation of the barbs (venting) and some wear at the tip and trailing edge, likely from age and exposure before being molted.