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) · Secondary flight feather (remex)
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (remex)
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broadly rounded tip with slight asymmetry; the trailing edge (vane) is wider than the leading edge. The shape is somewhat rectangular but tapers slightly toward the base.
Size
Approximately 18-22 cm (7-9 inches) in length, consistent with the secondary flight feathers of a large female or male specimen.
Rarity
Common. One of the most widespread and successful raptors in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Alternating thick, dark brown to charcoal transversal bands on a lighter, mottled cream-to-grayish-tan background. The banding is slightly irregular, creating a camouflaged 'bark-like' appearance characteristic of Great Horned Owls.
Barb Structure
The barb structure is highly specialized; the upper surface has a soft, velvety pile (furbelow) to muffle sound. The leading edge (not visible but inferred by species) typically features a comb-like fringe (fimbriae) to reduce air turbulence. The base is plumulaceous (downy).
Texture & Surface
Velvety, soft, and matte. Unlike most birds, owl feathers lack a hard, glossy surface to ensure silence; the texture is designed to absorb sound rather than reflect it.
Description
This is a sturdy secondary wing feather from a Great Horned Owl. The bird itself is a powerful predator with a wingspan of up to 5 feet, characterized by large 'ear' tufts, yellow eyes, and a white throat patch. Their plumage is a masterclass in camouflage, mimicking tree bark.
Key Features
Distinctive broad, dark brown barring; velvety 'felt' texture on the surface for silent flight; rounded apex; ivory-colored rachis.
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, tundra edges, suburban parks, and agricultural areas.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in the north to the southernmost tip of South America. They are non-migratory.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is some separation of the barbs (zipper failure) near the base and mid-section. The plumulaceous region at the calamus is slightly matted. No significant fault bars or parasitic damage visible.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip of approximately 300 psi, comparable to a large dog. They are also known for being one of the few predators that regularly hunt and eat skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are highly adaptable and occupy a vital niche in almost every terrestrial ecosystem in their range.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, more orange tint), Barred Owl feathers (distinctly regular, clean brown-and-white bands without the fine mottling), and Great Gray Owl (larger, more gray/silver tones).