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

A massive, powerful owl with prominent ear tufts and large yellow eyes. The feather reflects the bird's cryptic camouflage designed to blend into tree bark during the day. Their wingspan can reach 5 feet, and they are known for their deep 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo' hooting.

Bold, alternating horizontal bands of dark chocolate brown or charcoal and creamy light-buff or ochre; the rachis is pale cream becoming darker towards the tip

Pennaceous structure on the main vane with specialized serrations on the leading edge and a velvety pile (plumulaceous) on the surface to dampen sound

Silky and incredibly soft to the touch; the dorsal surface has a fine, short 'fuzz' or velvet-like pile that reduces air turbulence for silent flight

Distinctive wide dark bands, velvety 'silent flight' surface texture, and the presence of comb-like fimbriae on the leading edge of the outer vane

Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks from sea level to timberline

Year-round resident across most of North and South America, ranging from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada to the southern tip of South America

Top-tier nocturnal predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other predatory birds; serves as an indicator of ecosystem health

Great Gray Owl feathers are longer and more uniform grey; Barred Owl feathers have cleaner, more defined white-and-brown banding and lack the 'toothed' edge as prominently

Great Horned Owls have no sense of smell, allowing them to frequently hunt skunks; they are also one of the only birds known to prey on other smaller owl species

Good to Fair; there is significant separation (split barbs) on the leading edge and some fraying at the tip, likely a naturally molted feather showing signs of environmental wear