Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful, heavily built nocturnal predator characterized by prominent ear tufts, brilliant yellow eyes, and a deep booming hoot. This feather showcases the classic mottled camouflage pattern typical of raptors that rely on stealth and surprise in forested environments.

Mottled earthy brown, grey, and buff tones with distinct horizontal dark brown barring and speckled white markings near the margins and base

Pennaceous at the upper tip transitioning smoothly into a very soft, plumulaceous (downy) base with a fluffy, loose barb structure; barbs are intact with fine barbules

Velvety, soft, and matte texture with specialized micro-serrations or velvety fringe typically found on owl feathers to ensure silent flight

Broad rounded shape, soft velvety texture, distinct dark brown horizontal barring against a mottled grey-brown and buff background, and a fluffy plumulaceous base

Extremely adaptable, found in deciduous and coniferous forests, deserts, wetlands, urban areas, tundra edges, and agricultural fields

Widespread throughout the Americas, ranging from the subarctic regions of North America down through Central America to South America

Apex nocturnal predator that helps regulate populations of rodents, rabbits, skunks, and other small to medium-sized mammals, acting as a crucial indicator of ecosystem health

Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), distinguished by the coarser barring, larger overall scale, and specific tone of brown mottling unique to the Great Horned Owl

Great Horned Owls are capable of exerting a crushing grip force of over 300 pounds per square inch, roughly equivalent to the bite force of a large dog. They are also one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, often beginning courtship as early as January.

Good overall condition, barbs are intact with minimal fraying, showing vibrant natural coloration and no major signs of sun bleaching or structural damage