Great Horned Owl (Hoot Owl, Tiger Owl)

The Great Horned Owl is a powerful, heavily built apex predator of the night, easily recognized by its prominent ear tufts, striking yellow eyes, and deep hooting call. It possesses formidable hunting capabilities, taking prey ranging from small rodents to large mammals and birds.

Distinctive barred pattern featuring alternating bands of dark brown/greyish-brown and mottled white or buff, typical of the cryptic plumage of a Great Horned Owl. The tip shows bold, wavy brown barring against a white background.

Transition between pennaceous at the patterned tip and plumulaceous (fluffy, down-like) along the lower shaft. The barbs lack strong interocking barbicels near the base, giving it a soft, velvety feel characteristic of nocturnal raptors.

Exceptionally soft, velvety, and matte in appearance with no gloss. The lack of rigid interlocking barbicels ensures absolute silence when the bird brushes against vegetation.

Extremely soft, velvety texture combined with bold dark brown and white wavy barring and a fluffy, downy base.

Incredibly adaptable, found in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forests, deserts, swamps, tundra edges, agricultural areas, and urban parks.

Widespread throughout the Americas, from the Arctic tree line down through North America, Central America, and into South America.

Acts as a top nocturnal apex predator controlling rodent, rabbit, and pest populations while serving as a key indicator of forest health.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus), though Barred Owl feathers generally feature more longitudinal streaking rather than horizontal barring.

Great Horned Owls are among the earliest nesting birds in North America, often beginning courtship and egg-laying as early as January in northern regions.

Good condition, mostly intact barbs with slight fraying at the extreme base where it attached to the skin.