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) · Contour feather (Body feather) likely from the upper wing coverts or flank area.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Contour feather (Body feather) likely from the upper wing coverts or flank area.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly rounded with a slight asymmetrical taper; the tip is blunt and the overall outline is ovoid.
Size
Approximately 3 to 4 inches in length and 1.5 inches wide, which matches typical body contour dimensions for this large owl.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and successful birds of prey in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Alternating horizontal bands of warm cinnamon-brown and creamy buff-white; the dark bands have soft, blurred edges typical of owl cryptic camouflage.
Barb Structure
The distal portion is pennaceous with fine, velvety pile (frazil) on the surface for silent flight; the proximal base is highly plumulaceous (downy) with long, loose barbs.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and velvet-like; the surface has a unique matted 'fuzz' that dampens sound, with a matte appearance and zero gloss.
Description
This feather is a classic example of owl camouflage. Great Horned Owls are massive, powerful predators with prominent ear tufts and distinct yellow eyes. Their plumage is designed for total stealth and thermal regulation.
Key Features
Velvet-like texture, rounded tips, soft blurred horizontal banding, and a large plumulaceous (fluffy) base.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even urban parks.
Geographic Range
Extensive range across North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Canada to the southern tip of South America; largely non-migratory.
Condition Notes
Good condition with some minor fraying at the tip and separation of the downy barbs near the calamus; likely a naturally molted feather.
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 skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. High indicator of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers are similar but usually have colder grey-brown tones and cleaner, more distinct white spots rather than cinnamon bands.