Likely Barred Owl (also known as the Hoot Owl); identification from a single feather is uncertain.

This is a long, barred brown-and-cream feather with an owl-like appearance. Barred Owls are large, rounded forest owls with dark eyes, barred plumage, and a familiar “Who cooks for you?” call.

Dark brown to charcoal with broad pale buff-white crossbars. The pattern is consistent with a barred owl-like feather, but similar patterns occur in other owls.

Pennaceous vanes are visible, with loose downy barbs near the base. Fine edge structure is not clear enough to assess owl-specific fringes.

A pale, slender rachis runs most of the feather’s length; dark and pale bars cross the vanes, with loose pale filaments at the base.

The vane looks soft and matte rather than glossy; the base is visibly fluffy and somewhat frayed.

Probably from the wing: its elongated shape and asymmetric vanes are typical of flight feathers.

The broad alternating pale and dark bars, asymmetric shape, and fluffy base suggest an owl flight feather; these traits do not establish species on their own.

If from a Barred Owl, likely wooded habitats, especially mature forests near water, with suitable trees for nesting and roosting.

Barred Owls occur across much of eastern North America and extend west into parts of the Pacific Northwest; populations are generally resident.

Barred Owls are forest predators of rodents, birds, amphibians, and other small animals. They are widespread, though habitat changes and competition with other owls can affect local populations.

Great Horned Owl and other owl flight feathers can also show dark-and-pale barring. Species-level identification generally requires precise measurements, feather position, and comparison with verified references.

Barred Owls hunt by sound as well as sight and can locate prey beneath vegetation. Their expansion into the Pacific Northwest has contributed to competition with the threatened Spotted Owl.

Owl feathers appear in art and cultural traditions, but possession and trade may be restricted by wildlife laws. In the United States, most native bird feathers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Record length, measure both vane widths, and photograph both sides beside a ruler; compare with regional feather guides. Avoid collecting feathers unless local regulations permit it.

The feather is mostly intact, with loose, frayed down at the base. Overall condition appears fair to good; age and molt stage are not determinable.