Likely Barred Owl; also called the hoot owl

A barred, owl-like feather with a pale ground color and broad brown crossbars. Barred Owls are robust, brown-eyed forest owls with rounded heads, dark barring, and a familiar “Who cooks for you?” call.

Buff to cream with broad warm-brown transverse bars. The pattern resembles barred owl plumage, though similar patterns occur in other owls.

Soft, loosely arranged basal barbs and a more cohesive vane; no clear view of specialized edge combing.

Slender, pale tan rachis; barbs form broad alternating light and brown bands across the vane.

Soft, matte, and somewhat fluffy near the base; the distal vane appears smoother and loosely intact.

Possibly body or covert plumage. Its relatively narrow, rounded form and soft base do not establish a precise wing position.

Broad transverse brown bands on a buff background and a soft, owl-like appearance; these traits suggest an owl but cannot confirm species from this view alone.

Barred Owls favor mature, often moist forests near rivers, swamps, and wooded wetlands, and also use suburban woodlots.

Resident across much of eastern North America and extending west into parts of the Pacific Northwest; generally nonmigratory.

As a forest predator, the Barred Owl helps regulate small-mammal and other prey populations. It remains widespread, though habitat change and competition with Spotted Owls are conservation concerns.

Great Horned Owl feathers can also be barred but often show stronger mottling and different patterning; Long-eared and other Strix owl feathers may overlap. Exact identification generally requires measurements and comparison with reference specimens.

Barred Owls often hunt from perches and can take fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Their expanding range has brought them into competition with Northern Spotted Owls in the Pacific Northwest.

Owl feathers have cultural significance in some Indigenous traditions; meanings and practices vary by community. Many native bird feathers are legally protected, so do not collect or possess them without confirming applicable laws and permissions.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and note the location found; compare band widths, shaft, and vane shape with regional feather guides. Avoid collecting feathers where wildlife laws prohibit it.

Appears mostly intact, with fraying and loose barbs near the base. No obvious severe damage; condition fair to good.