Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, overall oblong shape with velvety fringed edges
- Size
- Approximately 3 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, consistent with a large body or mantle contour feather for this species
- Rarity
- Very Common
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Description
The Great Horned Owl is a powerful, heavy-bodied nocturnal apex predator easily identified by its prominent ear tufts, intense yellow eyes, and white throat patch. It has a mottled brownish-gray plumage that provides exceptional camouflage against tree bark. Known for its deep, echoing hoots, it is an adaptable hunter taking prey ranging from small rodents to large mammals and birds.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled earthy brown, grey, and buff tones with distinctive dark brown or black transverse barring and vermiculations
Barb Structure
Pennaceous at the tip transitioning into soft plumulaceous barbs at the base with an afterfeather; features specialized velvety fringe on barbules for silent flight
Texture & Surface
Exceptionly soft, downy, and velvety to the touch with a matte, non-reflective surface designed to dampen sound
Key Features
Soft velvety texture for silent flight, distinctive dark brown transverse barring over a grey-buff background, and a rounded contour shape
Habitat
Inhabits a remarkably diverse range of habitats including deciduous and evergreen forests, deserts, wetlands, tundra, agricultural areas, and urban parks
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout the Americas, from the sub-Arctic forests of Canada down through the United States, Central America, and deep into South America
Ecological Role
Serves as a top avian predator, helping regulate populations of rodents, rabbits, and other small to medium-sized animals, thereby maintaining balanced local ecosystems
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio), though Barred Owls feature more longitudinal streaking rather than strong horizontal barring, and screech-owl feathers are significantly smaller.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls are one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, often beginning courtship as early as January. They possess gripping strength of up to 500 pounds per square inch and have asymmetrical ears that allow for pinpoint sound triangulation in total darkness.
Condition Notes
Fair condition, showing some slight fraying and wear along the lower plumulaceous barbs and minor separation of the vanes