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) · Flight feather (Remex), likely a secondary or inner primary.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Flight feather (Remex), likely a secondary or inner primary.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Asymmetrical vane; the leading edge (vane) is narrower than the trailing edge. The tip is rounded, and the overall profile is elongated and slightly curved.
Size
Estimated length between 7 and 10 inches (approx. 18-25 cm). This is consistent with the secondary feathers of a large Great Horned Owl, which generally measure between 15 and 30 cm depending on position.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and successful birds of prey in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Alternating bold horizontal bands of dark chocolate brown or grayish-brown and pale buffy-white or cream. The rachis is a light cream color. The pattern is mottled rather than solid, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous for the majority of the vane with a distal fringe. The base shows plumulaceous (downy) structure. A key diagnostic feature is the velvet-like 'fimbriae' or pile on the dorsal surface and the saw-toothed 'comb' on the leading edge (faintly visible) designed for silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Velvety, soft, and matte. Unlike most birds, owl feathers lack a strong glossy finish to reduce noise caused by friction between feathers during flight. The underside is slightly lighter and smoother.
Description
This feather belongs to a Great Horned Owl, a powerful apex predator known for its iconic 'ear' tufts and deep, booming hoots. These owls are large, with wingspans reaching up to 5 feet. Their plumage is a complex tapestry of gray, brown, and white that breaks up their silhouette. The feather's specific banding and velvety texture are evolved for nocturnal hunting, allowing the bird to approach prey in total silence.
Key Features
Bold dark brown and buff banding; velvety 'soft' surface texture; asymmetrical vanes for flight; rounded tip; thick cream-colored rachis.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, tundra edges, tropical rainforests, cities, and suburban parks.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tree line to the southern tip of South America. Non-migratory but may wander in search of food.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. There is some slight fraying at the tip and separation of the barbs (zipping) toward the bottom, suggesting it was naturally molted or weathered.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 500 psi. They are one of the few animals that regularly prey on skunks because they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex predator that controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are highly adaptable and occupy a wide variety of niches.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (smaller, more fine-patterned), Barred Owl (horizontal bars on neck but vertical streaks on belly; feathers have different banding contrast), Red-tailed Hawk (lack the velvety texture and have different banding intervals).