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
- Broadly spatulate and rounded; largely symmetrical vane with a slightly tapered base and a blunt, rounded apex.
- Size
- Estimated 3.5 to 5 inches in length. This is consistent with medium-sized contour feathers found on the underparts or legs of a large owl species.
- Rarity
- Common. They are the most widely distributed owl in the Americas, though they are nocturnal and more often heard than seen.
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Description
This feather belongs to the Great Horned Owl, a massive, powerful raptor known for its prominent ear tufts and deep, rhythmic hooting. The bird stands up to 2 feet tall with a 4-foot wingspan. Its plumage is a complex mosaic of grey, brown, and white, designed for perfect camouflage against tree bark. This specific feather reflects the 'barred' belly and flank pattern that gives the species its occasional nickname, the Tiger Owl.
Colour & Pattern
Distinctive horizontal barring consisting of alternating warm, light-brown/buff bands and creamy white bands. The tip features a small dark terminal spot on the rachis. Finely mottled 'salt and pepper' textures visible within the brown bands.
Barb Structure
Plumulaceous (fluffy) at the base and along the margins, transitioning to a soft pennaceous structure. Features specialized 'fringe' or velvet-like barbules typical of owls for silent flight and insulation.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and velvet-like to the touch. This matte surface is an evolutionary adaptation that reduces friction and noise, enabling silent movement through the air.
Key Features
Bold horizontal brown and white barring; velvet-like texture (strigiform fringe); rounded shape; downy basal section; thin dark rachis.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, tundra edges, orchards, and urban parks/suburbs.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America from the Arctic tree line south through Central and South America. They are non-migratory and highly adaptable.
Ecological Role
Top-tier apex predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, diverse local ecosystem.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have similar barring but often appear more vertical on the chest. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) feathers are much smaller and usually more orange-buff in tone.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a grip strength of up to 500 PSI, similar to a German Shepherd's bite. They are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as owls have a very poor sense of smell.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'unzipping' or separation of the barbs at the tip (distal end), likely due to natural wear, wind, or the bird preening before the feather was molted.