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

This feather belongs to the 'Tiger of the Air,' a powerful raptor known for its prominent ear tufts and deep, rhythmic hooting. The bird stands 18-25 inches tall with a wingspan up to 5 feet. Its plumage is a masterpiece of camouflage, allowing it to blend perfectly into woodland shadows. It is a formidable nocturnal predator capable of taking prey as large as skunks and other raptors.

Mottled and barred with alternating bands of dark umber brown and pale buff/tawny cream. The patterning is 'cryptic,' designed for camouflage against tree bark. The ventral surface is lighter and more matte.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs with a unique velvety 'fimbriae' or pile on the dorsal surface. The leading edge features a specialized comb-like fringe (flutings) to dampen sound.

Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. It has a matte, non-reflective surface to prevent light glinting during nocturnal hunting. The surface feels 'fuzzy' due to the specialized downy extensions of the barbules.

Distinctive 'toothed' leading edge for silent flight, velvety dorsal surface texture, and a bold, irregular horizontal barring pattern of dark brown on a buff background.

Highly adaptable; found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or cliffside canyons.

Widespread across the Americas, ranging from the subarctic forests of Alaska and Canada southward through the United States and Mexico into parts of South America.

Apex predator. They play a crucial role in controlling populations of rodents, rabbits, and even other medium-sized mammals. They are early nesters, often taking over the old nests of hawks or crows.

Barred Owl feathers (Strix varia) are similar but often have more consistent, cleaner white/brown bands and lack the deep tawny-orange tones often found in Great Horned Owls.

The Great Horned Owl is one of the few predators that regularly eats skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell. Their eyes are so large they cannot move them in their sockets; instead, they must turn their entire head up to 270 degrees.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact with some minor separation near the base. The calamus is clean, suggesting a natural molt rather than a forced removal.