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 · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Flight (Remiges); Secondary flight feather (likely S3-S6)
Species
Bubo virginianus (Confidence Level: 95%)
Feather Type
Flight (Remiges); Secondary flight feather (likely S3-S6)
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broad and rectangular with a rounded tip; the vane is slightly asymmetrical, which is characteristic of secondary feathers located closer to the body rather than the wingtip.
Size
Estimated at 8.5 to 10 inches (21-25 cm) in length. This is consistent with the secondary feathers of an adult Great Horned Owl, which typically range from 20-28 cm.
Rarity
Common. They are the most widely distributed owl in the Americas, though feathers are often hidden in dense roosting vegetation.
Color & Pattern
Base color is a warm buffy-tan to creamy white. It features 6-7 broad, dark chocolate-brown transverse bars. The ventral side is lighter and more matte. The rachis is pale cream, almost white.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous structure with a specialized velvety (fimbriate) dorsal surface; the barbs are soft and lack the stiff interlocking of most raptors. A fine, comb-like fringe (serrae) is present on the leading edge (though subtle in photos) to dampen sound.
Texture & Surface
Incredibly soft, velvety, and matte. Unlike hawk feathers which are glossy and stiff, this is designed for 'silent flight'. It feels silky and has a pillowy loftiness due to long barbules.
Description
This feather belongs to the 'Tiger of the Woods,' a large, powerful owl with prominent ear tufts and piercing yellow eyes. The bird stands up to 25 inches tall with a 5-foot wingspan. Its plumage is a complex camouflage of mottling and barring.
Key Features
Broad, dark transverse bands on a buff base; rounded tip; velvety 'silent flight' texture; and a robust, pale-colored rachis.
Habitat
Highly adaptable: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or urban woodlots.
Geographic Range
Extremely widespread across North and South America, ranging from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada down through Central America to the tip of South America. Non-migratory resident.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'zipper' separation (parting of the barbs) in the mid-vane, likely due to mechanical stress or handling after it was molted. No obvious parasite damage.
Interesting Facts
The Great Horned Owl has a grip strength of 300-500 psi, comparable to a Golden Eagle, allowing them to hunt prey as large as skunks and small deer. Their velvet-covered feathers break up air turbulence, making their flight completely silent to their prey.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health due to their position at the top of the food chain.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but much smaller and narrower. Red-tailed Hawk feathers are stiff, glossy, and have sharper, more defined banding without the velvety texture.