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
- Asymmetrical vane with a distinctively curved profile; the leading edge (outer vane) is narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane). The tip is rounded, and there is a visible emargination on the inner vane characteristic of large raptors.
- Size
- Estimated at 10 to 12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of an adult Great Horned Owl, which typically range from 9 to 13 inches depending on the specific position on the wing.
- Rarity
- Common; the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and successful birds of prey in the Americas, though they are nocturnal and more often heard than seen.
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Description
This is a large, powerful feather from the Americas' most iconic owl. The bird itself is a heavy-bodied raptor with prominent ear tufts (plumicorns) and piercing yellow eyes. It has a wingspan of up to 5 feet and a deep, rhythmic hooting call. Its plumage is designed for camouflaging against tree bark and achieving near-silent flight to ambush prey.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled grayish-brown base with 5-7 bold, dark brown transverse bands. The spacing between bands is somewhat irregular with 'salt and pepper' speckling in the lighter areas. The ventral (underside) is noticeably paler and more matte than the dorsal surface.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane with a distal plumulaceous base; features a specialized 'velvety' pile of elongated barbules on the dorsal surface and a fimbriate (comb-like) leading edge for silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky to the touch due to 'flutings' on the surface; matte appearance with no iridescence. The leading edge has a stiff, comb-like fringe that breaks up air turbulence.
Key Features
Bold dark banding, velvety dorsal texture, asymmetrical vane shape, and the specialized 'fringe' on the leading edge for sound dampening.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, desert scrub, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or urban areas with mature trees.
Geographic Range
Extensive range throughout North America from the Arctic tree line south through Central America and into parts of South America. Most populations are year-round residents.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; they control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other medium-sized birds. They are adaptable hunters and act as an indicator of a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers are similar but usually have more regular, cleaner banding and lack the 'velvety' thickness of the Great Horned Owl. Golden Eagle feathers are much larger and lack the specialized silent-flight fringe.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a grip strength of over 300 psi, comparable to a German Shepherd's bite. They are the only bird of prey that regularly preys on skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. There is significant separation (zipper-like gaps) between the barbs, suggesting it is a naturally molted feather that has experienced some wind or ground wear. The calamus appears intact.