Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Broadly asymmetrical with a rounded tip; the leading edge (vane) is narrower than the trailing edge, characteristic of flight feathers.
- Size
- Estimated 7-9 inches in length. This is consistent with the primary feathers of an adult Great Horned Owl, which typically range from 6 to 11 inches depending on the specific position.
- Rarity
- Common. It is the most widely distributed owl in North America, though its nocturnal nature and camouflage make feathers more commonly seen than the bird itself.
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Description
This feather belonged to a large, powerful owl known for its prominent ear tufts and deep, booming hoot. Adult Great Horned Owls have a mottled grey-brown plumage with a white throat patch and yellow eyes. They have a wingspan of up to 5 feet and are formidable apex predators.
Colour & Pattern
Creamy-white to ochre base with distinct dark brown or charcoal horizontal barring. The tip shows mottled marbling (vermiculation). Coloration is typical for the interior western subspecies found in Montana.
Barb Structure
Highly specialized pennaceous structure with a velvety pile on the dorsal surface and a fimbriate (fringed) leading edge for silent flight. Base is plumulaceous.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky to the touch. The surface has a matte appearance with a unique filamentous downy coating that reduces friction and noise during flight.
Key Features
Velvety dorsal surface, fringed leading edge for silent flight, and thick dark brown banding on a buff-colored background.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, orchards, and agricultural areas. In McLeod, MT, they frequent riparian corridors and cliffside woodlots.
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tundra to the tip of South America. It is a year-round resident in Montana.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. Their presence indicates a healthy, diverse ecosystem with ample prey.
Similar Species
Snowy Owl feathers (whiter, less ochre), Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, different banding frequency), and Great Gray Owl feathers (more grey/silver tones).
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell. They also have the strongest grip of any owl in North America.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair; shows some separation of the barbs near the base and slight ruffling at the tip, suggesting it may have been molted naturally or discarded during preening.
Notes
McLeod Montana