Great Horned Owl

This feather belongs to a large, powerful owl known for its prominent ear tufts and deep, rhythmic hooting. The bird itself has a thick body, mottled grey-brown plumage, and a striking white throat patch. Their nocturnal nature and specialized feathers allow them to hunt silently.

Mottled and barred pattern. The distal end features dark brown/sooty-black vermiculation and barring over a white to creamy-buff background. The mid-section shows a rich ochre or tawny-buff wash, while the downy base is a neutral charcoal-grey.

The distal portion is pennaceous with velvet-like barbules for silent flight; the proximal base is highly plumulaceous (downy) with loose, wispy barbs for insulation. Features a 'fringe' of soft pile on the surface.

Extremely soft and velvety to the touch. It has a matte finish with a characteristic 'pile' or 'fuzz' on the dorsal surface that functions to dampen sound. The trailing edges are soft rather than stiff.

Soft velvety texture, prominent tawny/buff barring, and a large plumulaceous (downy) base. The intricate 'salt and pepper' vermiculation at the tip is diagnostic for this species.

Highly adaptable, found in deciduous and evergreen forests, swamps, desert scrub, agricultural areas, and even suburban parks or cities.

Widely distributed across North and South America, from the subarctic tree line in the north to the southern tip of South America. They are generally non-migratory permanent residents.

Apex predator. They control populations of rodents, rabbits, and other birds. They are highly successful generalists that indicate a healthy local ecosystem and varied prey base.

Barred Owl (Strix varia) feathers have cleaner, more vertical or horizontal 'bars' without the heavy tawny-ochre wash. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) feathers are smaller and more delicately patterned.

Great Horned Owls have a crushing power in their talons of up to 500 psi. They are one of the few predators that regularly hunt skunks, as they have a very poor sense of smell.

Good condition. The barbs are mostly intact though beginning to separate at the edges (fraying). There is slight wear at the very tip, and the calamus appears intact, suggesting it was naturally molted.