Great Horned Owl (also known as Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl)

This feather belongs to a large, powerful owl known for its prominent ear tufts and deep, hooting voice. The Great Horned Owl is a nocturnal apex predator with a wingspan of up to 5 feet. Its plumage is a mosaic of mottled browns and grays designed for camouflage against tree bark.

Pale cream to white base coloration. Two distinct, horizontal dark brown 'tiger' bars are present. The underside is slightly paler than the dorsal surface. The quill transition is white to translucent.

The upper portion is pennaceous with velvet-like barbules; the lower half is densely plumulaceous (downy) for insulation. Fine hairs or 'frizz' are visible on the surface to dampen sound.

Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. This specific texture is a 'silent flight' adaptation that reduces friction and air turbulence.

Velvet-like surface texture, prominent dark brown horizontal barring, and a large downy base area.

Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subalpine fields, and urban parks.

Resident throughout North and South America, from the Arctic tree line in the north to the tip of South America. Generally non-migratory.

Top-tier nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and other birds. Their presence indicates a healthy, diverse ecosystem.

Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower) and Barred Owl feathers (more starkly white and brown with different barring patterns).

Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip of 300-500 psi, which they use to hunt prey as large as skunks and even other raptors. They are also known for starting their nesting season in mid-winter.

Good condition with some minor separation of the barbs on the left side. The downy base is slightly matted, suggesting it was naturally molted.