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) with extensive plumulaceous base
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Contour (body feather) with extensive plumulaceous base
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly rounded and fan-shaped at the tip; slightly asymmetrical with a wide, tapered base leading to the fluff.
Size
Estimated 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in length. This is standard for a large contour feather from the flank or lower abdomen of a Great Horned Owl.
Rarity
Common and widespread, though owls are cryptic and more often heard than seen. Finding a molted feather like this is common in wooded areas.
Color & Pattern
Mottled 'camouflage' pattern consisting of thick, jagged charcoal-brown or blackish horizontal bars over a base of tawny-buff and cream white. The barring is characteristic of the species' intricate Disruptive coloration.
Barb Structure
Dual structure: the distal portion is pennaceous (tightly knit) for waterproofing and pattern, while the large proximal base is plumulaceous (downy) for insulation. The distal barbs feature a soft, velvet-like fringe (fimbriae) to muffle sound during flight.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. The surface has a 'muffled' or matte appearance typical of owls to facilitate silent flight and movement. Leading edges feel exceptionally silky.
Description
This is a contour feather from a Great Horned Owl, a massive and powerful nocturnal predator. The bird itself features iconic 'ear tufts,' deep yellow eyes, and a white throat patch. Their plumage is a complex rug of browns, grays, and buffs designed to mimic tree bark. This specific feather shows the bold, wavy barring that breaks up the bird's silhouette against woodland backgrounds.
Key Features
Bold dark horizontal barring on a buff/white background, a very large downy base (plumulaceous), and a signature soft, 'fuzzy' texture typical of Strigiformes.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subalpine heights, and even urban parks or suburban yards.
Geographic Range
Extensively distributed across North and South America, from the northern tree line in Alaska/Canada down to the tip of South America. Primarily non-migratory permanent residents.
Condition Notes
The feather appears to be in Good to Fair condition. It shows some separation of the distal barbs (fraying) and the downy base is slightly tangled from contact with the grass/moisture. No obvious fault bars or parasite damage are visible.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a bite pressure of roughly 300-500 pounds per square inch, similar to the force of a large dog. They are also known as one of the few predators that regularly hunt and eat skunks because they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, functioning local food web.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, more vertical streaking), Barred Owl feathers (more regular, clean horizontal bars without as much mottling), and Great Gray Owl (larger, grayer tones).