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
- Broad and rounded. The vanes are asymmetrical in the flight feathers to aid in stealthy flight, with the outer vane being narrower than the inner vane. There is no sharp tapering, characteristic of large owl species.
- Size
- Approximately 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary and secondary feathers of a large Bubo species, where wing feathers typically range between 25 and 35 cm.
- Rarity
- Common. It is the most widely distributed owl in the Americas, though its nocturnal nature and camouflage make feathers more commonly found than the birds are seen.
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Description
These feathers come from the iconic 'Great Horned Owl,' a large, powerful predator known for its prominent ear tufts and deep 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo' call. The bird has a 3-5 foot wingspan and mottled plumage designed for total concealment during the day.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled brown, tan, and creamy white with distinct dark brown or black horizontal bars (banding). The base of the feathers transitions into a lighter, unbarred cream or white. The pattern provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the tips but with a high density of plumulaceous (downy) barbs at the base. Most notably, the barbs feature a 'fringe' or 'comb' along the leading edge and a velvety pile on the surface, which suppresses sound.
Texture & Surface
Incredibly soft, velvety, and matte. Unlike a hawk's feather which is stiff and glossy, these feathers are designed for 'silent flight' with a specialized surface texture that breaks up air turbulence.
Key Features
Soft velvety texture (silent flight adaptation), distinct dark horizontal barring on a tan/ochre background, and a notched or fringed leading edge ('fimbriae').
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, desert scrub, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban areas.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America, from the Arctic tree line south through Central and South America. They are generally non-migratory.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (smaller, different barring density), Barred Owl (more vertical streaking on chest feathers, though wing feathers are similar but usually more grey-brown), Eurasian Eagle-Owl (larger and more orange-buff).
Interesting Facts
The Great Horned Owl has no sense of smell and is one of the few predators that regularly hunts and eats skunks. Their grip can exert over 300 pounds per square inch of pressure.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. The feathers show significant wear, fraying of the barbs (vanes splitting), and some damage at the calamus (quill) area. They likely spent significant time on the ground exposed to elements or scavengers.