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
- Highly asymmetrical vane with a prominent inward curvature; the leading edge (outer vane) is much narrower than the trailing edge. The tip is slightly rounded.
- Size
- Approximately 9-11 inches (23-28 cm). The long, thick calamus and curved rachis are characteristic of large Bubo species primaries.
- Rarity
- Common; however, since they are nocturnal and their feathers are perfectly camouflaged, finding intact primaries can be a challenge.
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
This is a primary feather from a Great Horned Owl, the most widely distributed owl in the Americas. These large, powerful raptors are known for their prominent ear tufts and deep, rhythmic hooting. The feather is engineered for silent flight, featuring a unique 'fringed' leading edge that breaks up air turbulence.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled grayish-brown and buff-toasted coloration. Distinctive dark brown horizontal barring transitions into a fine, peppered 'salt and pepper' camouflage pattern. The underside is paler with softer, ghost-like barring.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vanes with specialized velvet-like pile (fimbriae) on the dorsal surface and a comb-like fringe (serrations) on the leading edge to reduce noise during flight. The base shows small plumulaceous barbs.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and 'fuzzy' to the touch due to specialized dorsal pilosity. The surface is matte, designed to absorb light and sound rather than reflect it.
Key Features
Extreme asymmetry, soft 'velvet' dorsal texture, serrated leading edge, and thick, curved white rachis combined with mottled brown/buff barring.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subalpine fields, and urban parks.
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
Apex nocturnal predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are critical for maintaining ecological balance by limiting pest populations.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (smaller, different barring), Barred Owl (more uniform brown/white barred pattern without the heavy mottling), and Snowy Owl (primarily white/black).
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a bite force comparable to a large dog and are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair; shows some wear and separation at the tip (splits in the vane) and some fraying at the base of the calamus. Some natural oils or soil staining may be present.