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

The Great Horned Owl is a heavy-bodied raptor with distinctive 'ear tufts' and a white throat patch. This feather displays the salt-and-pepper mottled camouflage that allows these nocturnal predators to disappear against tree bark during the day.

Mottled brown, dusky grey, and buff-tan; features irregular horizontal barring and 'vermiculation' (worm-like markings) characteristic of camouflage plumage.

Plumulaceous (downy) at the base for insulation, transitioning to a soft pennaceous structure; extremely fine fimbriae (velvety fringe) present to dampen sound.

Velvety, soft, and matte; the surface is covered in micro-structures that reduce friction and allow for silent flight and movement.

Soft, velvety texture; irregular dark brown barring on a buff background; downy base; absence of a stiff, shiny surface.

Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, desert scrub, and suburban backyards or city parks.

Year-round resident across North and South America, ranging from the subarctic tundra of Canada to Tierra del Fuego.

Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. Considered a generalist hunter.

Barred Owl feathers are similar but typically show more distinct, cleaner horizontal bars and a cooler grey tone without as much buff-tan mottling.

Great Horned Owls can apply up to 300 pounds per square inch of pressure with their talons and are known to prey on skunks because they have a poor sense of smell.

Good condition; minor dirt/debris visible near the calamus; barbs are mostly intact indicating a relatively fresh molt.

Backyard; Washington state, Sammamish area