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
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical vane typical of flight feathers, with a broad, rounded tip and a slightly curved trailing edge.
- Size
- Approximately 8-10 inches in length; width is roughly 2.5 inches. This is consistent with the secondary flight feathers which provide lift during flight.
- Rarity
- Common and widespread, though rarely seen due to their nocturnal habits and excellent camouflage.
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Description
This feather belongs to one of the most powerful raptors in North America. The Great Horned Owl is a large, bulky bird with prominent ear tufts and piercing yellow eyes. Its plumage is a complex mosaic of brown, grey, buff, and black, designed to mimic tree bark. This specific feather shows the bold banding and soft leading edge that allows this bird to ambush prey in total silence.
Colour & Pattern
Transverse dark brown or charcoal banding across a tawny/buff and mottled grey-white background. The trailing vane (inner web) is predominantly white or pale cream, while the outer web shows rich ochre and dark bars.
Barb Structure
The barbs are plumulaceous at the base for insulation and pennaceous towards the tip. A distinguishing feature is the specialized velvet-like pile (fimbriae) on the surface and a comb-like leading edge that dampens sound.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. The surface has a matte appearance with a fuzzy 'bloom' that reduces air friction and enables silent flight.
Key Features
Distinctive ochre-buff base color with dark transverse bars; soft, fuzzy 'velvety' texture; and a wide, white inner vane.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even urban parks. Requires large trees for nesting.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada south to the tip of South America. They are non-migratory.
Ecological Role
Top-tier nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, more orange), Barred Owl feathers (generally lack the rich ochre/buff tones and are more grey/brown), and Great Gray Owl feathers (much larger and more uniformly grey).
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have no sense of smell, allowing them to regularly prey upon skunks. They can apply 200 to 500 pounds per square inch of pressure with their talons.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The feather appears to be a naturally molted specimen. There is some minor separation of the barbs near the base (calamus) and slight wear at the tip, but the structural integrity is high.