Great Horned Owl (Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Contour (Body Feather)
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Contour (Body Feather)
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Symmetrical with a rounded tip and a broad, soft outline; typical of body contour feathers providing insulation and camouflage.
Size
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. This is consistent with larger contour feathers from the flank or upper breast of a Great Horned Owl.
Rarity
Common and widespread, though more often heard than seen due to nocturnal habits.
Color & Pattern
Mottled and barred with shades of ochre, tawny, and dark umber brown on a cream-to-tan background. The banding is characteristic of the 'Tiger' pattern seen on owl plumage.
Barb Structure
Highly plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation, transitioning to a pennaceous structure at the tip. The barbs have a velvety 'fimbriate' surface to dampen sound.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and velvet-like. It lacks the oily sheen of waterfowl feathers, instead possessing a matte finish that aids in silent flight.
Description
This is a soft body feather from a Great Horned Owl, a powerful apex predator. The owl itself is a large, bulky bird with prominent ear tufts and striking yellow eyes. This feather demonstrates the intricate camouflage needed to blend into tree bark during the day.
Key Features
Characteristic buffy coloring with dark horizontal vermiculation (wavy barring) and an exceptionally soft, fuzzy texture that is diagnostic for owls.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in the north to the southern tip of South America.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The downy base is slightly ruffled, and there is minor wear at the edges (fraying), suggesting it may have been molted naturally rather than plucked.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 500 psi. They are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, complex ecosystem.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but generally smaller and more orange-toned. Red-tailed Hawk feathers are stiffer and lacks the velvety texture. Barred Owl feathers have cleaner, more defined brown-and-white bars.