Great Horned Owl (Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl)

This is a robust tail feather from a Great Horned Owl, North America's most adaptable owl. The bird is large with prominent ear tufts and a deep hooting call. Its plumage is designed for camouflage against tree bark.

Mottled grayish-brown base with 6-8 distinct dark brown or blackish horizontal bands. The tip features a broad dark subterminal band followed by a lighter, speckled terminal edge.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs at the center, plumulaceous at the base; features a velvet-like 'flut' or fringe on edges for silent flight.

Extremely soft and velvety texture. The surface is matte and non-reflective to prevent light glinting during nocturnal hunting.

Broad horizontal banding, soft fringed edges for silent flight, and a mottled 'salt and pepper' appearance between bands.

Extremely versatile; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks.

Resident throughout North and South America, from the subarctic tundra tree-line to Tierra del Fuego.

Apex predator; controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and other birds. They are early nesters, often taking over old hawk or crow nests.

Long-eared Owl feathers (narrower, smaller) and Barred Owl feathers (cleaner, more regular white/brown barring without the heavy mottling).

Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 500 psi and are one of the few animals that regularly prey on skunks.

Good condition; slight wear at the tip and some separation of the lower barbs, but the color and patterns remain vibrant.