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) · Flight feather (Remex); likely a secondary or inner primary based on the curvature and thickness.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Flight feather (Remex); likely a secondary or inner primary based on the curvature and thickness.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broad and somewhat asymmetrical with a rounded tip. The leading edge shows slight characteristic softening and tapering common to nocturnal raptors.
Size
Approximately 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long, consistent with the secondary flight feathers of a large adult Great Horned Owl.
Rarity
Common; it is the most widely distributed owl in North America, though its nocturnal and secretive nature makes finding feathers more common than seeing the bird itself.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown, tan, and buff with distinct broad dark brown horizontal bars. The base color is a warm ochre-buff, and the patterning acts as disruptive coloration for camouflage against tree bark.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous structure with specialized velvet-like 'fimbriae' on the dorsal surface and a comb-like fringe on the leading edge to muffle sound during flight; lower portion shows some plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky to the touch (velvety surface). It lacks the stiff, glossy finish of diurnal raptors, featuring a matte surface that prevents light reflection and sound.
Description
This is a large, powerful owl known for its prominent ear tufts and deep 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo' call. It has a broad wingspan of 3 to 5 feet and a bulky body covered in intricate camouflage plumage. The feather's soft edges and heavy barring are diagnostic of this apex nocturnal predator.
Key Features
Broad dark brown banding, warm buff background color, velvety 'silent flight' surface texture, and a sturdy white rachis.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, orchards, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban woodlots.
Geographic Range
Extensive range across North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada south to the tip of South America. It is a non-migratory year-round resident.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition; significant wear and separation of the barbs (vane splitting) suggest it was a molted feather that spent some time exposed to the elements or was ruffled during the bird's movement.
Interesting Facts
The Great Horned Owl has a grip strength of up to 300 psi, comparable to a German Shepherd's bite. Their specialized feathers allow them to fly almost silently to ambush prey like skunks and rabbits.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are highly successful generalists and indicators of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (smaller, lacks the warm buff tones, bands are more regular), Long-eared Owl (smaller, narrower feathers), and Red-tailed Hawk (stiffer texture, different barring pattern without the velvety surface).