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) · Primary flight feather (Remex), likely an inner primary (P1-P4) given the shape and symmetry.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Primary flight feather (Remex), likely an inner primary (P1-P4) given the shape and symmetry.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Asymmetrical vane with a rounded tip; the leading edge (outer vane) is narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane). The overall outline is elongated and slightly curved.
Size
Approximately 8-10 inches in length. This is consistent with the flight feathers of a large Strigiform, which typically range from 7 to 12 inches depending on the specific position on the wing.
Rarity
Common; it is one of the most widespread and successful owl species in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown and tawny-buff base color with distinct dark brown or blackish transverse bars. The dorsal surface shows high contrast, while the ventral surface is paler and more muted.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane with a plumulaceous (downy) base near the calamus. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of fine, hair-like extensions (fimbriae) on the leading edge and a velvety pile on the dorsal surface.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. The surface has a matte appearance due to specialized microstructures that absorb light and dampen sound during flight.
Description
This feather belongs to one of North America's most iconic raptors. The Great Horned Owl is a large, powerful predator known for its prominent ear tufts and deep 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo' call. It has a bulky silhouette, a white throat patch (bib), and intense yellow eyes.
Key Features
Bold horizontal banding, tawny-orange wash, and a specialized soft 'velvet' texture that allows for near-silent flight.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, desert scrub, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban woodlots.
Geographic Range
Found throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tundra of Canada and Alaska down to the southern tip of South America. Most populations are non-migratory.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact, though there is some minor separation (splitting) near the leading edge and some fraying at the base. No obvious signs of parasitic damage or heavy wear.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls are one of the only regular predators of skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell. Their talons can exert a pressure of up to 500 pounds per square inch.
Ecological Role
Top-tier nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are considered an apex species and an indicator of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but smaller and more slender. Barred Owl feathers have more uniform, cleaner brown-and-white banding without the tawny/orange tones characteristic of the Great Horned Owl.