Great Horned Owl (Hoot Owl, Tiger Owl)

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful, heavily built nocturnal predator known for its prominent ear tufts, piercing yellow eyes, and deep, resonant hooting calls. It is one of the most widespread and adaptable owls in the Americas, preying on a vast array of mammals and birds.

Bicolor pattern showing dark grayish-brown to charcoal at the distal tip transitioning into a pale, whitish-buff or cream coloration toward the base.

Plumulaceous (downy and loose) at the base with disconnected, flexible barbs lacking rigid interlocking barbicels, shifting to a slightly more clustered structure toward the tip.

Extremely soft, silky, and matte in texture, lacking any oily feel, designed to trap air for thermal insulation and silent flight characteristics.

Soft, velvety texture, lack of interlocking pennaceous barbs on the lower half, and a distinct color transition from dark grey-brown tips to a fluffy pale cream base.

Incredibly adaptable, found in forests, deserts, swamps, tundra, urban areas, and agricultural fields across the Americas.

Widespread throughout North America, Central America, and much of South America, occurring as a year-round resident.

Acts as a top nocturnal apex predator controlling rodent and pest populations, serving as a key indicator of healthy woodland ecosystems.

Other large owl species such as the Barred Owl (Strix varia) or Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), distinguished primarily by specific color morphs and regional occurrence.

Great Horned Owls are among the earliest nesting birds in North America, often beginning incubation in the dead of winter in January or February.

Good condition with intact barbs and no major fraying or physical damage visible.