Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

A magnificent and adaptable apex nocturnal predator, the Great Horned Owl is easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts, large yellow eyes, and deep hooting calls. This feather showcases the specialized evolutionary adaptations that allow the owl to hunt silently in total darkness.

Muted earth tones with alternating bands of dark brown, grayish-brown, and pale buff or cream, designed for camouflage

Pennaceous vane with specialized velvety, comb-like fringes on the barbules that absorb sound and eliminate aerodynamic noise

Remarkably soft, velvety, and matte in texture due to specialized micro-structures on the barbules designed for silent flight

Soft velvety texture, muted brown and buff barred patterning, and specialized comb-like leading-edge barbules designed for silent flight

Extremely adaptable, inhabiting deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, deserts, wetlands, tundra, and urban or agricultural areas

Widespread throughout the Americas, ranging from the Arctic tree line down through South America

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

Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), distinguished by different barring patterns and lighter or more streaked coloration

Great Horned Owls possess tremendous crushing foot pressure of up to 500 psi, comparable to the bite force of an adult large dog, and they are primary users of abandoned nests built by other large birds like hawks and eagles.

Good condition with minor wear along the lower vanes, intact rachis, and no severe structural breakage