Likely Great Horned Owl; also called Tiger Owl or Hoot Owl.

A substantial, boldly barred feather, most suggestive of a large owl. Great Horned Owls are powerful, tuft-eared nocturnal predators with mottled plumage, a broad wingspan, deep hoots, and buoyant, silent flight.

Dark brown to gray-brown with repeated pale buff/cream crossbars. The pattern is consistent with an owl, but is not species-diagnostic; lighting may affect the apparent colors.

Closely knit pennaceous vanes with some loose, frayed barbs near the base; no clear aftershaft or diagnostic comb-like leading edge is visible.

A straight, pale gray-brown central rachis runs the length of the feather. Barbs form dense, alternating dark and pale bands.

Matte, soft-looking vane with a sturdy shaft; the edges appear somewhat ragged, especially toward the base.

Probably a wing feather, based on its broad, rounded outline and barred pattern; tail feathers can look similar.

Large size, rounded tip, and repeated pale crossbars on a dark ground support an owl identification, but do not establish species or feather position.

If from a Great Horned Owl, likely source habitats include forests, woodland edges, wetlands, deserts, farmland, and urban parks; it nests in trees, cliffs, and reused large nests.

Great Horned Owls occur widely across the Americas, from northern Canada and Alaska to parts of South America; most populations are resident.

Great Horned Owls are top-level predators that help regulate mammals and birds; they remain widespread, though habitat change, collisions, and poisoning can pose local risks. Species attribution here is provisional.

Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl, and other large owls may have similarly barred feathers. Feather size, finer pattern details, and a complete specimen or bird are needed for reliable separation.

Great Horned Owls can take prey ranging from rodents to rabbits and other birds, and their feather structure helps reduce flight noise.

Owl feathers have cultural significance in some Indigenous traditions. In the United States, possession of feathers from native owls is generally restricted by federal law; do not collect or trade without checking applicable laws.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and preserve the location where it was found. Feathers beneath roosts or nests can help, but do not approach active nests or handle protected wildlife.

Appears mostly intact, with some basal fraying and possible minor edge wear; no obvious fault bars or contamination. Condition: Good.