Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Slightly asymmetric vane with a rounded tip and characteristic fringed or comb-like leading edge typical of owls
- Size
- Estimated around 10-12 inches long based on visual comparison, consistent with medium-to-large raptor flight feathers
- Rarity
- Common and widespread
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Description
The Great Horned Owl is a powerful and adaptable nocturnal apex predator known for its prominent ear tufts, piercing yellow eyes, and deep, resonant hooting calls
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive dark brown and grayish-white barring across a grey-brown background, providing excellent camouflage
Barb Structure
Pennaceous upper portion with velvety texture, becoming plumulaceous near the base; specialized velvet-like pile on barbs for silent flight
Texture & Surface
Velvety, matte surface texture with soft leading edges designed to muffle sound during flight
Key Features
Soft velvety texture, comb-like leading edge, and bold dark brown and white horizontal barring
Habitat
Incredibly adaptable, found in forests, deserts, wetlands, urban areas, tundra, and agricultural fields
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout the Americas, from the subarctic of North America down through Central America to South America
Ecological Role
Acts as a top nocturnal apex predator helping to control rodent and rabbit populations
Similar Species
Barred Owl or Snowy Owl, distinguished by the specific barring pattern and distinctive velvety owl barb structure
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls possess exceptionally strong talons requiring up to 28 pounds of force to open, and they are the primary predator of skunks
Condition Notes
Good condition with minor fraying at the base and semiplume transition zone, intact vane structure