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) · Contour (body feather), likely from the upper wing coverts or flank
Species
Bubo virginianus (Confidence Level: High)
Feather Type
Contour (body feather), likely from the upper wing coverts or flank
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Symmetrical to semi-symmetrical with a broad, rounded tip and a slightly curved outline
Size
Estimated 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) in length; consistent with large body contour feathers or secondary coverts
Rarity
Common; widely distributed and the most common large owl in North America
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown, tan, and cream; features distinct horizontal barring and irregular 'vermiculation' patterns typical of owl camouflage
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the distal end, highly plumulaceous (downy) at the base. Features specialized velvet-like barbules for silent flight
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky; fuzzy 'combed' surface (fimbriae) designed to dampen sound and provide insulation
Description
A thick, mottled feather from a powerful predator. The bird itself is large with prominent ear tufts and piercing yellow eyes
Key Features
Soft, velvety texture, cream-to-chocolate brown barring, and a fuzzy, plumulaceous base for silent movement
Habitat
Highly adaptable: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subalpine fields, and urban parks
Geographic Range
Year-round resident throughout North and South America, ranging from the Arctic treeline to the tip of South America
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; shows some separation of the barbs at the tip and significant wear on the downy lower section
Interesting Facts
They have the most diverse diet of all North American raptors, including skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell
Ecological Role
Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey like hawks
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (smaller, thinner bars) and Barred Owl (cleaner horizontal/vertical barring without the same mottling)