Great Horned Owl (Tiger Owl, Hoot Owl)

The Great Horned Owl is a large, powerful nocturnal raptor recognized by its prominent ear tufts, striking yellow eyes, and deep hooting call. It is a formidable apex predator with exceptionally keen senses.

Distinctive barred pattern near the tip featuring alternating bands of dark brown, black, and white or buff, with a soft grey-brown fluffy base.

Plumulaceous at the base with loose, disunited barbs lacking firm hooklets, transitioning into a slightly more pennaceous, patterned tip.

Soft, velvety, and matte in appearance, specialized for silent flight and thermal insulation without any oily sheen.

Soft velvety texture, distinct dark brown and white barring at the rounded tip, and a fluffy, downy basal section.

Incredibly adaptable, found in deciduous, evergreen, and mixed forests, deserts, wetlands, agricultural areas, and urban parks.

Widespread throughout the Americas, ranging from the sub-Arctic regions of Canada and Alaska down through the United States, Central America, and into South America.

Acts as a top nocturnal apex predator controlling rodent, rabbit, and other small mammal populations.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) and Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), which feature similar mottled brown and white barring on their body feathers.

Great Horned Owls possess asymmetrical ear placements that allow them to pinpoint the exact location of prey in complete darkness.

Good overall condition with intact barbs near the tip, though showing slight fraying typical of natural wear on a body contour feather.