Great Horned Owl (also Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Outer primary flight feather (remiges), likely from the mid-wing section.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Outer primary flight feather (remiges), likely from the mid-wing section.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly rounded tip with slight asymmetry between the vanes; the leading edge (outer vane) is narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane) to assist in silent flight.
Size
Estimated at 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) in length. This is consistent with the primary flight feathers of an adult Great Horned Owl, which typically range from 7 to 11 inches.
Rarity
Common; one of the most widespread and adaptable owls in the Americas, though they are often heard more than seen.
Color & Pattern
Mottled dark brown and grayish-tan with distinct dusky horizontal bars. The base and inner vane show warmer ochre or buffy-orange tones. The pattern is cryptic, designed for camouflage against tree bark.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous with a specialized velutinous (velvety) surface. The barbs have elongated barbules that create a soft fringe (fimbriae) on the leading edge and a downy surface to muffle sound.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft, silky, and velvety to the touch. This matte surface is a result of structural adaptations that break up airflow to eliminate the 'whistle' of air during flight.
Description
This is a robust bird with 'horns' (ear tufts) and piercing yellow eyes. Its plumage is a complex tapestry of brown, gray, and buff. In flight, they have broad, rounded wings and a short tail, moving with a steady, quiet wingbeat.
Key Features
Velvety texture for silent flight, dusky transverse barring, and the characteristic buffy-orange wash near the quill base.
Habitat
Incredibly diverse: including deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subalpine fields, and urban parks or suburban areas.
Geographic Range
Extensively distributed across North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in the north down to the southern tip of South America. They are mostly non-migratory residents.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair; some wear and separation at the tip and trailing edge suggests this was a naturally molted feather or one from an older bird. No obvious parasite damage visible.
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 nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have cleaner, more defined white-and-brown bars and lack the orange/buff wash. Long-eared Owl feathers are smaller and more slender.