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
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Symmetrical with a broad, rounded tip and a large plumulaceous base; typical of body contour feathers that provide insulation and streamlining.
- Size
- Estimated 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. This is consistent with a medium-to-large flank or upper breast contour feather for a Great Horned Owl.
- Rarity
- Common; it is the most widely distributed owl in the Americas, though its nocturnal nature makes it heard more often than seen.
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Description
This is a beautiful example of a Great Horned Owl contour feather. The bird itself is a powerful predator with a wingspan of up to 4.8 feet, characterized by prominent ear tufts ('horns') and piercing yellow eyes. Its plumage is designed for total concealment during the day and silent movement at night.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled brown and cream patterning. The upper portion shows distinct horizontal barring/vermiculation in dark umber against a buff-white background. The downy base is a clean, grayish-white.
Barb Structure
The distal portion is pennaceous (interlocked barbs), while the proximal half is highly plumulaceous (downy). The pennaceous barbs exhibit the soft, velvet-like 'fringe' characteristic of owls that muffled sound for silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. It has a matte finish, lacking the glossy iridescence found in many diurnal birds, which aids in camouflage and light absorption.
Key Features
Soft, 'furry' texture; fine horizontal brown vermiculation/barring; large downy base; absence of a stiff trailing edge.
Habitat
Extremely versatile: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subarctic tundra, agricultural areas, and even urban parks.
Geographic Range
Common across North and South America, ranging from the tree line in the Arctic south to the tip of South America. It is a non-migratory, year-round resident.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. They are vital ecological indicators of forest health.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have broader, more defined brown bars and less fine vermiculation. Long-eared Owl feathers are smaller and often more orange-buff in tone.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls can apply 200 to 500 pounds per square inch of pressure with their talons, enough to sever the spine of large prey. They are one of the few animals that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The feather shows significant separation of the pennaceous barbs (branching), likely due to natural wear or the way it was handled after being found. The calamus (quill) is intact.