Likely Barred Owl (also known as Northern Barred Owl); identification is tentative from a single feather.

A substantial, brown-and-buff barred feather, most consistent with an owl flight feather. Barred Owls are large, rounded-headed forest owls with dark eyes, barred underparts, and a familiar “Who cooks for you?” call.

Buffy tan and brown with broad dark crossbars and irregular pale mottling, especially on one vane. This resembles barred owl plumage, but similar patterns occur in other owls.

Dense, mostly intact pennaceous vanes; the base has loose downy barbs. Owl flight feathers often have soft, fringed edges that reduce flight noise, though fine fringe detail is not clear here.

A slender pale central rachis divides the barred vanes; dark bands cross the feather, with mottling and band contrast varying between vanes.

Appears matte and soft, with a fluffy base and relatively smooth vanes; the image cannot establish surface feel or fine edge structure.

Probably from the wing, based on its length and broad, flight-feather-like outline.

Broad rounded tip, alternating brown and pale crossbars, and a loose downy base support an owl identification; the pattern alone is not species-diagnostic.

Barred Owls favor mature, often moist forests near streams, swamps, and wooded wetlands; they nest in tree cavities and forage from perches.

Resident across much of eastern North America and extending into parts of the Pacific Northwest and western Canada; range has expanded westward.

A forest predator of rodents, birds, and other small animals, the Barred Owl helps structure prey communities; habitat change and competition with Spotted Owls are conservation concerns.

Great Horned Owl and other large owl feathers can show brown barring; compare feather size and the complete bird or multiple feathers, since one feather is rarely conclusive.

Barred Owls hunt at night and by day, and their westward range expansion has brought them into contact and competition with Northern Spotted Owls.

Owl feathers have cultural significance for some Indigenous peoples. In the United States, possession of most native owl feathers is restricted by federal wildlife law; do not collect or keep one without confirming applicable permits and laws.

Photograph both sides beside a ruler and examine the edge under magnification for soft comb-like fringes. Record where it was found, but avoid disturbing nests or collecting protected feathers.

Appears largely intact, with no obvious major breakage or severe fading; condition looks good, though close inspection is needed to assess wear.