Likely Barred Owl; also called the Northern Barred Owl.

A strikingly barred owl feather, most suggestive of Barred Owl. Adults are large, rounded-winged woodland owls with brown eyes, a barred chest, and a distinctive “Who cooks for you?” call.

Cream to buff background with broad dark-brown transverse bars. The pattern resembles a Barred Owl, but similar barred feathers occur in other owls.

Pennaceous vanes with closely aligned barbs; the soft, fringed-looking edges are characteristic of owl flight feathers that reduce sound. No clear damage is visible.

A prominent dark central rachis divides the barred vanes; bars cross both sides, with some irregularity in width and spacing.

Appears soft and matte, with finely fringed edges rather than the crisp, smooth edge typical of many diurnal birds.

Probably from the wing: its elongated form and relatively broad vane suggest a flight feather rather than a small body feather.

Broad alternating pale and dark crossbars, dark rachis, and soft-looking fringed margins support an owl identification; species-level certainty is limited by overlap among owl feathers.

Barred Owls favor mature, often damp forests near swamps, streams, and wetlands, and may also use wooded suburbs.

Primarily eastern North America, extending into parts of the Pacific Northwest; many are year-round residents, with some local movements.

A forest predator of rodents, amphibians, and other small animals, the Barred Owl helps shape prey populations. It is widespread, though habitat change and competition with expanding Barred Owls affect some other owl species.

Great Horned Owl and other large owls can show barred flight feathers; Barred Owl feathers tend to have broad, fairly regular bars, but a single feather is not reliably diagnostic.

Barred Owls hunt by sight and hearing and can locate prey in dim forest conditions. Their calls are among the most recognizable owl vocalizations in eastern North America.

Owl feathers have cultural significance in diverse Indigenous traditions; meanings and practices vary among communities. Possession or trade may be regulated—U.S. law generally prohibits possession of native owl feathers without authorization.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and compare with verified regional feather guides; record where and when it was found. Avoid collecting unless local laws permit it.

Looks intact and reasonably fresh, with no obvious breaks or severe fading; condition grade: Good. Fine wear cannot be assessed from the image.