Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful, heavy-bodied apex predator of the night, easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts, large yellow eyes, and deep hooting call. It is one of the most adaptable owls in the Americas, preying on everything from small rodents to mammals as large as hares and skunks.

Complex barred pattern with alternating dark brown and buff/white zigzag bands, providing exceptional camouflage.

Pennaceous vane with specialized velvety, fringe-like barbs on the leading edge and downy modified tips that absorb sound, creating silent flight capability.

Velvety, soft matte surface texture designed to muffle sound during flight, lacking the glossy stiffness found in diurnal raptors.

Distinctive bold dark brown and white/buff barring across a broad vane, combined with the velvety, muffled texture unique to owl flight feathers.

Incredibly adaptable, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, deserts, tundra, swamps, urban areas, and agricultural fields.

Widespread throughout North America, Central America, and South America, extending from the subarctic down to the southern tip of Argentina.

Apex nocturnal avian predator that helps regulate rodent and small mammal populations, maintaining balance in forest and grassland ecosystems.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), distinguished by different barring patterns and lighter or darker ground colors.

Great Horned Owls have asymmetrical ear openings that allow them to pinpoint prey in total darkness by sound, and their specialized feathers let them fly completely silently.

Good condition with intact barbs and clear patterning, showing minimal wear along the edges.