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

This feather is a quintessential example of the silent flight adaptations of the Great Horned Owl. The bird itself is a powerful predator, 46–63 cm long with a wingspan up to 145 cm, characterized by prominent ear tufts and a deep hooting call.

Alternating wide bands of dark chocolate brown or charcoal and warm ochre, buff, or tawny orange; upper bands show dense dark mottling/stippling.

Specialized pennaceous structure with long, hair-like barbules (fimbriae) creating a velvety texture; trailing edge exhibits a soft fringe.

Extremely soft, silky, and matte; the surface is covered in a 'velvety pile' that dampens sound during flight.

Distinctive velvety surface texture, soft trailing edge fringe (fimbriae), and bold tawny and dark brown banding with fine stippling.

Extremely adaptable species found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks.

Resident throughout North America from the Arctic tree line south through Central and South America.

Apex nocturnal predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey.

Long-eared Owl feathers (smaller, narrower), Barred Owl feathers (more grey-brown tones, lacks the intense tawny/orange hue).

The Great Horned Owl's feathers are so well-adapted for silence that they can fly within inches of prey without being heard; they have one of the most diverse diets of any North American raptor.

Good condition; slight mechanical wear (splitting) visible near the margin, typical of naturally molted feathers or handled specimens.