Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Strigiformes, Family: Strigidae, Genus: Bubo, Species: B. virginianus · Strigidae (Typical Owls) · Secondary flight feather (remex), likely from the mid-wing region.
Species
Bubo virginianus
Feather Type
Secondary flight feather (remex), likely from the mid-wing region.
Family
Strigidae (Typical Owls)
Shape
Broad and somewhat rectangular with a rounded tip; slight asymmetry characteristic of secondaries, with one vane slightly wider than the other.
Size
Estimated 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length. Consistent with the typical range of secondary feathers for a large owl species.
Rarity
Common; the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and adaptable owls in the Americas.
Color & Pattern
Mottled brown and tawny-buff base; the distal end (tip) is a solid dusky brown, transitioning into a series of marbled or vermiculated grayish-white and dark brown bands.
Barb Structure
Densely pennaceous with a distinct velvety pile (frazil) on the dorsal surface; leading edge exhibits a soft, fimbriate (comb-like) margin to muffle sound during flight.
Texture & Surface
Extremely soft and silky to the touch; the surface lacks the gloss of waterbirds, instead featuring a matte, 'downy' finish designed for silent flight.
Description
A magnificent large owl with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. This feather mirrors the bird's cryptic camouflage, blending dark browns and pale buffs to mimic tree bark.
Key Features
Velvety surface texture, fimbriate leading edge, and the specific 'tiger-stripe' mottled pattern common to the Bubo genus.
Habitat
Found in a vast diversity of habitats including deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks/orchards.
Geographic Range
Year-round resident across most of North America from the Arctic tree line south through Central and South America.
Condition Notes
Good; some minor separation in the barbs (vane splitting) near the tip, likely naturally occurring during molt or due to post-molt handling.
Interesting Facts
Great Horned Owls are powerful predators capable of taking prey larger than themselves, including skunks, due to their poor sense of smell.
Ecological Role
Apex predator; helps control populations of rodents, rabbits, and other birds.
Similar Species
Long-eared Owl (smaller, more orange tones) and Barred Owl (more distinct, clean horizontal barring without the heavy mottling).