Likely Barred Owl; also known as the Northern Barred Owl

This barred feather likely belongs to a medium-to-large forest owl with brown-and-white horizontal barring, dark eyes, and a rounded head without ear tufts. Barred Owls fly quietly through wooded habitat and are known for their resonant “Who cooks for you?” call.

Buff to pale brown with dark brown transverse bars and mottling; the tip and one edge are darker. Lighting and the single visible surface limit assessment of the true colors.

Mostly close-knit pennaceous barbs, with some loose, fluffy-looking edges; no clear damage or specialized comb-like edge is visible at this resolution.

A slender, pale rachis runs into the feather’s base. Barbs form irregular dark crossbars against the lighter ground color.

Appears matte and softly edged, consistent with an owl feather; fine surface texture cannot be confirmed from the photograph.

Probably from the wing, based on its broad vane and barred pattern; a large body feather is also possible.

Broad feather, pale ground color, and repeated dark transverse bars suggest an owl; these markings are compatible with Barred Owl but are not diagnostic to species.

Barred Owls favor mature forests, especially wooded wetlands and forests near water, and also use suburban woodlots.

Resident across much of eastern North America, with a range extending west into parts of the Pacific Northwest and western Canada; generally nonmigratory.

A woodland predator that helps regulate small-mammal populations; Barred Owls remain widespread, though habitat loss and competition with expanding Barred Owl populations affect some other owls.

Great Horned Owl and other forest owl feathers can also be barred; feather position, size, and pattern overlap, so a single feather may not separate them confidently.

Barred Owls hunt at night and by day, taking small mammals, birds, amphibians, and other prey. Their distinctive call is often rendered as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?”

Owl feathers have cultural significance in some Indigenous traditions. Possession and trade of native owl feathers are regulated in the United States; do not collect or keep them without checking local law.

Compare several feathers together and record length, vane asymmetry, and bar spacing; photographs beside a ruler aid identification. Avoid collecting feathers unless permitted by applicable wildlife laws.

Appears intact but slightly worn or frayed along the edges; no obvious fault bars, staining, or severe damage. Condition: Good.