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

A feather from a powerful, large-bodied owl characterized by its 'horns' (ear tufts). The bird itself has a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet, yellow eyes, and a deep, resonant hooting call. Its plumage is designed for total stealth.

Mottled and barred with shades of dark brown, grayish-tan, and buff. The bars are irregular and wavy, providing excellent disruptive camouflage against bark.

Pennaceous and tightly interlocked for flight power, but with a specialized 'velvety' dorsal surface and fimbriae (comb-like extensions) on the leading edge to dampen sound.

Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. It has a matte finish to prevent light glinting, with a fringe of soft cilia along the edges to break up air turbulence.

Distinctive 'comb' fimbriae on the leading edge, velvety dorsal surface for silent flight, and irregular horizontal brown/buff barring.

Highly adaptable, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, orchards, agricultural areas, and even urban parks or suburban woodlots.

Year-round resident across most of North America, from the subarctic tunda treeline south through Central America and into parts of South America.

Apex predator; it controls populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other birds of prey. It is a vital indicator of ecosystem health.

Long-eared Owl (smaller, more orange tones), Barred Owl (more defined, blockier horizontal bars), and Snowy Owl (whiter, less mottling).

Great Horned Owls can apply up to 300 pounds per square inch of pressure with their talons, enough to crush the spine of their prey, which can include skunks and other raptors.

Fair to Good. There is some minor separation of the barbs ('zipper' failure) and wear at the tip, suggesting a naturally molted feather from an older bird.

Nature reserve