Great Horned Owl (Tiger Owl, 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 trailing edge and a slightly narrower leading edge; the tip is rounded or blunt rather than pointed.
- Size
- Approximately 8.5 to 11 inches (22-28 cm) in length; the width is about 2.5 inches. This is consistent with the inner secondaries of a large-bodied owl.
- Rarity
- Common and widespread throughout its range, though rarely seen during the day due to nocturnal habits and camouflage.
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Description
This feather comes from the Great Horned Owl, a powerful apex predator with a wingspan up to 5 feet. The bird is known for its prominent ear tufts and deep, resonant 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo' hooting. Its plumage is a masterclass in camouflage, mimicking tree bark.
Colour & Pattern
Alternating thick, dark chocolate-brown transverse bars on a buff, cream, or light-grey background. The lighter areas show fine 'vermiculation' or peppery mottling characteristic of the species' camouflage.
Barb Structure
The barbs are pennaceous but feature a specialized velvet-like pile (fimbriae) on the dorsal surface and a comb-like fringe on the leading edge to muffle sound. The base of the feather shows plumulaceous (downy) structure.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and 'fuzzy' to the touch due to the specialized sound-dampening structures. It has a matte finish to prevent light reflection during nocturnal hunting.
Key Features
Distinctive 'velvet' texture for silent flight, broad brown banding, and fine peppery mottling between the bars. The leading edge has a soft, comb-like serration.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and suburban 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
Top-tier nocturnal predator that controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and other birds. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health and habitat connectivity.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers are similar but have cleaner, more distinct white and brown bars with less vermiculation and are generally smaller. Red-tailed Hawk feathers lack the fuzzy, velvet texture.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a grip strength of up to 500 PSI, similar to the bite force of a large dog, allowing them to hunt prey as large as skunks and small deer. They are also one of the few predators that regularly eat striped skunks.
Condition Notes
The feather appears in Good condition with some slight separation of the barbs at the base (ventral side) and minor wear on the distal edges, likely a naturally molted specimen.