Great Horned Owl (Hoot Owl, Winged Tiger)

The Great Horned Owl is a large, powerful nocturnal raptor recognized by its prominent feathery ear tufts, striking yellow eyes, and deep hooting call. Often called the tiger of the air, it is a versatile apex predator capable of taking prey larger than itself.

Intricate earth-toned pattern featuring alternating dark brown and grayish-white barring, with a pale whitish base and a prominent yellowish-tan central rachis

Plumulaceous at the base transitioning to pennaceous toward the tip, soft and velvety with specialized micro-serrations along the leading edge

Exceptionally soft, velvety, and matte in appearance, lacking the stiff waterproofing oils of waterbirds, specialized for silent flight

Soft velvety texture, prominent fine brown and white barring, pale base, and subtle frayed-looking barb tips adapted for silent aerial ambush

Extremely adaptable, inhabiting deep deciduous and coniferous forests, deserts, wetlands, agricultural areas, and urban parks

Widespread throughout North America, Central America, and much of South America, occurring from the subarctic tree line down to the tropics

Acts as a top nocturnal apex predator controlling populations of rodents, rabbits, skunks, and other small to medium-sized mammals

Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), distinguished by coarser barring and smaller overall size

Great Horned Owls are among the earliest nesting birds in North America, often laying eggs in the dead of winter. Their specialized flight feathers possess a frayed comb-like fringe that muffles the sound of rushing air.

Good overall condition with intact barbs and minimal fraying at the tip, showing natural coloration without heavy fading or wear