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

A boldly barred owl feather, likely from a Great Horned Owl, a large, powerful species with prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a mottled body. Adults have a wingspan of about 91–153 cm and a deep series of hoots; feather alone cannot establish the bird’s identity.

Buff to tawny ground color with irregular dark-brown to black transverse bars and mottling. This resembles Great Horned Owl plumage, though barred patterns occur in other owls too.

Closely joined, patterned pennaceous vanes; the visible edges do not show the conspicuous comb-like fringe characteristic of owl flight feathers.

A straight, dark central rachis divides the feather; dense barbs form alternating mottled bands across both vanes.

Appears matte, with a compact vane; softness and surface texture cannot be confirmed from a photograph.

Probably body plumage or a covert rather than a primary: it is broad and rounded, not the long, tapered shape typical of a major flight feather.

Rounded outline, tawny-and-dark mottling, and broad transverse bars support an owl identification, but are not sufficient for a certain species-level match.

Great Horned Owls use forests, open country, wetlands, deserts, and urban areas, nesting in trees, cliffs, and abandoned nests.

Resident throughout much of the Americas, from Alaska and Canada through the United States and Central America into parts of South America.

A nocturnal top predator that helps regulate rodents and other prey; Great Horned Owls are widespread, though local populations depend on suitable nesting and foraging habitat.

Barred Owl and other large owls can have similar brown-and-buff barring. Reliable separation usually requires feather position, measurements, and comparison with reference specimens.

Great Horned Owls can capture prey ranging from rodents to rabbits and other birds; their feathered feet help protect them while striking prey.

Owl feathers have cultural significance for some Indigenous peoples. In the United States, possession of most native owl feathers is generally restricted by federal law; do not keep or trade this specimen without checking applicable rules.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and record where it was found; compare the pattern and dimensions with regional feather guides. Avoid collecting feathers from protected birds or protected sites.

Appears intact and reasonably well preserved; no obvious breakage or severe fraying. Wear and age are difficult to assess from the image.