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 tip with an asymmetrical vane; the leading edge (outer vane) is narrower than the trailing edge (inner vane) with a slightly rectangular profile.
- Size
- Approximately 18-22 cm (7-9 inches) in length; the width is broad, typical for a large owl's secondary flight feathers used for silent lift.
- Rarity
- Common; the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and successful birds of prey in the Americas.
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Description
This feather is a classic example of silent flight technology. The Great Horned Owl is a massive raptor with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Known as the 'Great Tiger of the Air,' it is a formidable predator capable of taking prey larger than itself, including skunks and other raptors.
Colour & Pattern
Mottled brownish-buff base with distinct dark chocolate-brown transverse bars. The pattern is 'cryptic,' designed for camouflage against bark. The underside is paler with muted versions of the dorsal bars.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous throughout most of the vane with a distal fringe or 'fimbriae' (comb-like edge) on the leading margin; the base features a significant plumulaceous (downy) section for insulation.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and velvety to the touch (velutinous). The surface has a fine 'nap' that reduces noise during flight, a hallmark of nocturnal raptors.
Key Features
Velvety texture, dark-brown horizontal banding on a buff/grey background, and a comb-like fringe on the leading edge (outer vane).
Habitat
Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or city centers.
Geographic Range
Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic treeline in Alaska and Canada south to Tierra del Fuego. Generally non-migratory.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; regulates populations of small mammals (voles, rabbits, rats) and other birds. They are early nesters, often taking over the old nests of hawks or crows in late winter.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl feathers (smaller, narrower), Barred Owl feathers (more grey/white, less buff, different banding frequency), and Great Grey Owl feathers (significantly larger with more numerous, finer bars).
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls have no sense of smell, allowing them to hunt skunks without being deterred by their spray. Their 'horns' are not ears at all, but rather tufts of feathers used for display and camouflage.
Condition Notes
Good condition; slight fraying at the tip and base of the calamus. The color is rich, suggesting a relatively fresh molt rather than an old, sun-bleached specimen.