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

A large, powerful owl with prominent ear tufts. They have a mottled grayish-brown plumage designed for camouflage. Known for their deep 'hoo-h'hoo-hoo-hoo' call and piercing yellow eyes.

Alternating horizontal bands of warm tawny-buff and creamy white. The bands are distinct but have slightly diffused edges. The rachis is light tan to cream.

The upper half is pennaceous with loosely interlocked barbs, while the lower half is highly plumulaceous (downy) for insulation. Features the characteristic soft, velvety fringe (fimbriae) that muffles sound.

Extremely soft, velvety, and matte. Lacks the oily gloss found in waterfowl; instead, it has a 'downy' feel even on the pennaceous portion to minimize friction noise.

Distinctive warm buff and white horizontal barring; velvety texture; large plumulaceous base; rounded tip.

Incredibly diverse: found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, deserts, agricultural areas, and urban parks. Nesting occurs in old stick nests of other birds, hollow trees, or cliff ledges.

Extensive range across North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in Alaska and Canada down to the southern tip of South America. Mostly non-migratory.

Top-tier nocturnal predator. They control populations of rodents, skunks, and even other birds of prey. They are vital indicators of ecosystem health.

Long-eared Owl feathers are similar but smaller and generally more orange-toned. Barred Owl feathers have more vertical streaking and cooler brown tones.

Great Horned Owls are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell. They can apply 200-500 psi of pressure with their talons.

Excellent condition. The barbs are mostly intact with minimal fraying, suggesting a relatively fresh molt. No visible fault bars or parasite damage.