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

This is a classic 'barred' feather from the Great Horned Owl. The bird itself is a powerful predator with iconic 'horns' (feather tufts). It possesses a broad wingspan of 3-5 feet and a deep, rhythmic hooting call. Their plumage is designed for total camouflage against tree bark.

Alternating thick bands of dark chocolate brown and light cream/white. The dark bands show subtle mottling, while the white bands are crisp. The dorsal surface is more vivid than the ventral.

Highly specialized pennaceous structure with a 'fringed' velvety surface. The edges show fine pilular structures (fimbriae) that dampen sound.

Velvety and exceptionally soft to the touch. It has a matte finish to reduce light reflection and 'hush' barbs to eliminate the sound of air movement.

Broad dark chocolate banding, velvety surface texture (hush), and distinctive rounded shape typical of Strigiformes.

Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, subarctic tundra, and urban parklands.

Extensive range across North and South America, from the northern tree line in Alaska and Canada down to the southern tip of Argentina.

Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. They are highly adaptable and serve as indicators of ecosystem health.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have similar banding but generally have more blurred, grayish-brown edges and less of a white 'pop' in the light bands.

Great Horned Owls have a crushing grip strength of up to 500 psi. They are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.

Excellent condition, appearing freshly molted. Only minor separation of barbs near the base (plumulaceous region); no significant fault bars or parasitic damage visible.