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
- Broadly rounded and spatulate with a highly asymmetrical plume distribution; the distal end is rounded, typical of body feathers that provide insulation and camouflage.
- Size
- Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 inches in length. This is consistent with the large body contour feathers found on an adult Great Horned Owl, which are significantly larger than those of screech-owls.
- Rarity
- Common; though they are nocturnal and rarely seen, they are one of the most widespread and successful raptors in the Western Hemisphere.
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Description
This feather belongs to a powerful, bulky raptor known for its iconic 'ear tufts' and yellow eyes. The Great Horned Owl has a wingspan of up to 5 feet and is a master of camouflage, with mottled brown, grey, and white plumage that mimics tree bark.
Colour & Pattern
Striking bold horizontal banding or 'barring'. The base color is a warm buff-to-white, overlaid with thick, dark chocolate-brown to blackish-brown transverse bars. The ventral side is paler/matte.
Barb Structure
The distal portion is pennaceous with interlocked barbs, while the lower two-thirds are highly plumulaceous (downy). A specialized 'velvety' pile exists on the pennaceous surface, and the edges lack the harsh clicking typical of songbirds, aiding in silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky to the touch (velvety). The surface is matte rather than glossy, which prevents light reflection and helps the owl remain undetected by prey at night.
Key Features
Bold, dark horizontal barring on a cream/white background; extremely soft, downy base; rounded tip; lacks a stiff leading edge.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, desert canyons, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or urban areas with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America—from the subarctic tree line in Canada/Alaska down through Central and South America.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, diverse ecosystem with sufficient prey biomass.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, more orange tones), Barred Owl (fluffier with more vertical streaking on certain body parts), and Snowy Owl (whiter, less dense barring).
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls can apply up to 28 pounds of pressure with their talons and are one of the only regular predators of skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The barbs are slightly separated at the tip (fraying), suggesting it may be a naturally molted feather rather than one pulled forcefully. No visible parasite damage.