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 · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Primary flight feather (remige), likely from the mid-wing region (P3-P6).
Species
Bubo virginianus (Confidence level: 98%)
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (remige), likely from the mid-wing region (P3-P6).
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broad and slightly asymmetrical with a rounded tip. The leading edge (outer vane) is narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane).
Size
Approximately 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length and 2.5-3 inches wide. This is consistent with the primary feathers of a mature adult Great Horned Owl.
Rarity
Common. It is one of the most widespread and successful owls in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Heavy horizontal barring of dark chocolate brown over a warm buff and cream background. The dark bands are roughly 1 inch wide. The underside is paler and more muted.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous with a specialized velutinous (velvety) surface. The leading edge features a diagnostic fimbriate (comb-like) fringe for silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Incredibly soft and silky to the touch (velutinous). This texture is a specialized adaptation to muffle the sound of air moving over the wing during hunting.
Description
The Great Horned Owl is a formidable predator with a wingspan up to 5 feet. It is characterized by its large size, yellow eyes, and prominent ear tufts. Its plumage provides perfect camouflage against tree bark.
Key Features
Distinctive 'velvety' texture, soft fimbriate edges for silent flight, and bold, wide dark brown barring on a buffy-orange background.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and coniferous forests, deserts, suburban parks, agricultural areas, and rocky canyons.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed across North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Alaska/Canada to the southern tip of South America.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is slight fraying at the tip and base, suggesting it may have been molted naturally during the summer or autumn months.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell. They can exert over 300 pounds of pressure per square inch with their talons.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Great Gray Owl (grayer, lacks buff tones), Long-eared Owl (smaller, thinner barring), and Barred Owl (shorter, more rounded feathers with different banding patterns).