Great Horned Owl (Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: Bubo virginianus
Family: Strigidae (Typical Owls)
- Shape
- Broadly rounded with subtle asymmetry; the trailing edge is wider than the leading edge. The tip is rounded and blunt.
- Size
- Approximately 6-8 inches in length. This is consistent with an inner secondary feather of a Great Horned Owl, which usually range from 5 to 9 inches depending on the specific wing position.
- Rarity
- Common and widespread within its range, though secretive and difficult to spot during the day due to effective camouflage.
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Description
This is a secondary wing feather from a Great Horned Owl, a powerful apex predator. The bird itself is large (18-25 inches) with distinctive 'ear' tufts, yellow eyes, and a deep, resonant 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo' call. Its plumage is a masterclass in camouflage, blending perfectly with tree bark.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled charcoal gray and dark brown with faint, irregular horizontal banding. The dorsal surface is darker with a 'salt and pepper' speckling typical of nocturnal raptors; the ventral side is lighter and more silvery.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous with specialized velvet-like fuzzy texture (fimbriae); the leading edge features a soft, comb-like fringe to reduce turbulence for silent flight.
Texture & Surface
Velvety and exceptionally soft to the touch. The surface has a matte appearance with a 'downy' bloom that absorbs light and sound, lacking the glossy sheen found in many waterbirds or songbirds.
Key Features
Soft fringed edges for silent flight, velvety dorsal surface texture, and a mottled gray-brown 'maggot' pattern of fine lines.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks with sufficient nesting trees.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada south to the tip of South America. They are non-migratory.
Ecological Role
Apex predator and critical regulator of rodent and rabbit populations. They are ecological indicators of forest health and utilize abandoned nests of other large birds.
Similar Species
Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers are similar but usually show more distinct, cleaner brown-and-white horizontal barring and less overall mottling. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) feathers are smaller and more slender.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have a grip strength of up to 300 psi, comparable to a large dog's jaw, and can take down prey larger than themselves, including other raptors and skunks.
Condition Notes
The feather appears in good condition with minor fraying at the base of the vane. The rachis is intact, suggesting a natural molt rather than a forced removal by a predator.