The real beauty secret of all birds is the feathers. This article will discuss owl feather identification thoroughly, which will make you an expert at knowing an owl’s feather accurately.
The International Ornithological Committee (IOC) recognizes that there are about 254 species of owls worldwide, and their plumage color varies from one species to another.
We find common owls whose plumage color almost blends in with their habitat, making it very difficult to spot them in their natural environment.
As a bird enthusiast and nature lover, many people like me have various curiosities about owls, one of which is how to identify owl feathers. I have experience with owl feathers and how to identify them. I have shared some of my best knowledge below.
Contents
- 1 A simple and genuine method of owl feather identification
- 2 Different owl species and their feather sizes (list)
- 3 Barn owl feather identification
- 4 Great-horned owl feather identification
- 5 Eastern screech owl feather identification
- 6 Spotted owl feather identification
- 7 Screech owl feather identification
- 8 Tawny owl feather identification
- 9 Long-eared owl feather identification
- 10 Barred owl feather identification
- 11 Little owl feather identification
- 12 Large owl feather identification
- 13 What Type of Feathers Do Owls Have?
- 14 Down Feathers:
- 15 Contour feathers:
- 16 Feathers of the facial disc:
- 17 Semiplume feathers:
- 18 Filoplumes:
- 19 Ear tufts:
- 20 Owl feather vs. Hawk feather
- 21 Owl feather vs. turkey feather
- 22 Owl feather vs. eagle feather
- 23 FAQs
- 24 Conclusion
A simple and genuine method of owl feather identification
There are many small and large species of owls, and their feather sizes can vary greatly between species. For example, the elf owl, one of the smallest owl species in the world, has a feather with a length of up to 2.5 inches.
On the other hand, one of the largest owl species in the world is Blakiston’s fish owl, whose feather length is up to 12 inches.
Owls have feathers that have similarities to those of other birds, but the difference is that their feathers are shaped in specific patterns or stripes that serve to blend in with the environment in which the owl lives.
Snowy owls in northern regions have mostly white plumage, which helps them blend in with the snowy environment.
Owls that live in areas other than snowy regions have been found to blend their plumage color with the bark of some trees, while others blend with trees and shrubs.
That is, to say it another way, that the color of the feathers on the bodies of owls changes depending on their environment.
Most owl feathers are shed during the spring after the winter, so this is a great time to see owl feathers.
As the owl’s feathers help to keep the body warm from the cold in the winter, just before the summer, i.e., just in the spring, the owl’s feathers are shed and reduce the owl’s body feathers, which protects them from the summer heat.
Falcon, hawk, turkey, and eagle feathers look a lot like owl feathers, so knowing which ones are owl feathers and which ones aren’t requires some experience with the owl species that live in your area. A large number of owl feathers are usually found near owl nests.
When you find an owl feather, try to match it with the pictures I provide, or you can get confirmation from an owl expert.
Different owl species and their feather sizes (list)
Because there are many species of owls in the world, their feather sizes also vary. Below is a list of some small and large species of owl feather sizes, which will help you know which species of owl feather that is.
| Sl No. | Owl species | Average feather size |
| 1. | Barn owl | 7 to 9 inches |
| 2. | Barred owl | 8 to 10 inches |
| 3. | Great-horned owl | 10 to 12 inches |
| 4. | Eastern screech owl | 6 to 8 inches |
| 5. | Snowy owl | 9 to 11 inches |
| 6. | Short-eared owl | 6 to 7 inches |
| 7. | Burrowing owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 8. | Elf owl | 2.5 to 3 inches |
| 9. | Northern saw-whet owl | 5 to 6 inches |
| 10. | Long-eared owl | 7 to 8 inches |
| 11. | Least Pygmy Owl | 2.8 to 3 inches |
| 12. | Northern Pygmy Owl | 3.5 to 4.3 inches |
| 13. | Ferruginous Pygmy Owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 14. | Mexican Wood Owl | 4.7 to 5.5 inches |
| 15. | Spotted Owl | 5.5 to 6.5 inches |
| 16. | Rufous Owl | 5 to 6 inches |
| 17. | Cloud-forest Pygmy Owl | 3.5 to 4 inches |
| 18. | Vermiculated Screech Owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 19. | Buff-fronted Owl | 4 to 5.5 inches |
| 20. | Striped Owl | 4.5 to 5.5 inches |
| 21. | Guatemalan Screech Owl | 5.5 to 6.5 inches |
| 22. | Jamaican Owl | 3.5 to 4 inches |
| 23. | Black-capped Screech Owl | 4 to 4.5 inches |
| 24. | Unspotted Saw-whet Owl | 3 to 3.5 inches |
| 25. | Rufous-banded Owl | 5 to 6 inches |
| 26. | Mottled Owl | 4.5 to 5.5 inches |
| 27. | Northern Barred Owl | 4.5 to 6 inches |
| 28. | Band-bellied Owl | 4.5 to 5.5 inches |
| 29. | Crested Owl | 5 to 6 inches |
| 30. | Chaco Owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 31. | Black-banded Owl | 4.5 to 5.5 inches |
| 32. | Cloud-forest Screech Owl | 4 to 4.5 inches |
| 33. | Cinnamon Screech Owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 34. | Amazonian Pygmy Owl | 2.5 to 3 inches |
| 35. | Tawny-browed Owl | 4.3 to 5.1 inches |
| 36. | Fulvous Owl | 5 to 6 inches |
| 37. | Great Grey Owl | 6 to 7 inches |
| 38. | Spectacled Owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 39. | Stygian Owl | 4.5 to 5.5 inches |
| 40. | Tamaulipas Pygmy Owl | 2.5 to 3 inches |
| 41. | Whiskered Screech Owl | 4 to 5 inches |
| 42. | Western Screech Owl | 4 to 4.5 inches |
| 43. | Long-whiskered Owl | 3.9 to 4.1 inches |
| 44. | Boreal Owl | 6 to 7 inches |
Barn owl feather identification
Barn owls have distinctive plumage coloration, with buff, gray, brown upperparts and typically white underparts. Male owls have a lighter brown plumage than female owls. The upper feathers are white with streaks of buff, gray, and brown.
However, it has been observed that the plumage color of the Barn Owl is darker or lighter in particular areas, as this is a natural adaptation to blend in with their surroundings.
Barn owls have white breast feathers and face feathers that make them invisible to predators when they fly over prey, as their white plumage helps them blend in with the blue sky, making them efficient hunters.
Great-horned owl feather identification
The entire body of the great-horned owl is covered with feathers varying from gray and light brown to a mixture of dark brown and white.
They form two horn-shaped tufts of feathers on either side of the head, the upper part of which is gray and the lower part is dark brown. Their heart-shaped faces are lined with dark brown lines at the ends.
However, the plumage color of these owls can look darker or lighter depending on where they live, with Pacific Northwest owls having darker plumage and southwestern owls having lighter plumage. Again, the plumage color of the great-horned owl of Canada is comparatively whiter.
Eastern screech owl feather identification
The eastern screech owl, which is more common in North America, has mostly gray and reddish body feathers. The upper parts of this owl are usually grey and reddish, and the underparts are greyish-red with white splotches.
However, the entire body of the Eastern Screech Owl in several areas is gray and reddish with white splotches.
The color of their plumage looks similar to the color of the trees, so they blend in with the environment in such a way that sometimes it becomes tough to find them.
They have two ear-shaped tufts of feathers extending from the eyes to the head, which are gray with white splotches.
Spotted owl feather identification
The spotted owl, a large species of owl in North America, is easy to find in the Pacific Northwest. Dark brown, light brown, and white feathers cover their entire body.
Their upper feathers are darker in color than their lower feathers. Their heart-shaped face is lined with dark brown, with a thicker line on either side of the head.
The color of the eye looks darker than that of other species of owls, and the face feathers are striped with white and brown, giving these owls a frightful face.
A wonderful creation of nature is the color of their feathers, which blends well with the environment.
Screech owl feather identification
A small owl species found in North and South America is the screech owl. A total of 25 species with gray, brown, red, tan, and white patches exist. Of these 25 species, the Eastern Screech Owl and the Western Screech Owl are more familiar to people.
The Eastern Screech Owl looks gray with white patches, and the Western Screech Owl appears brown with white patches.
However, in other species of screech owls, the color of their body feathers can be quite different. All of these screech owls can be observed changing their body plumage color to match their surroundings.
Tawny owl feather identification
The tawny owl is medium-sized and native to large areas of Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They have grayish-brown feathers with white spots all over their bodies.
They have a dark brown or gray patch from the top of the beak to the top of the head. Their upper body feathers appear dark brown or dark gray, and the lower feathers are usually white with occasional gray or brown spots.
The color of their feathers is perfect to blend in with the environment. However, the wing and tail feathers are relatively darker in color.
Long-eared owl feather identification
The long-eared owl, a medium-sized owl species, is visible in North America, Asia, and a large area of Europe. These owls are usually brown or gray, with occasional white markings.
These owls are named long-eared owls for having two ears on either side of their cat-like heads—not actually two ears, but a bunch of white feathers with a brown or gray color.
Their facial feathers are often orange or light brown, which helps them form a heart-shaped facial structure. Depending on the area they live in, their body feathers change color.
Barred owl feather identification
Barred owls most commonly exist in North America and are covered in brown and white-striped plumage. The heart shape on their face is decorated with feathers in such a way that it looks like someone has drawn a heart shape with brown paint.
However, their underparts are relatively whiter than the rest, and the tail and wing feathers are average brown with white streaks.
Their plumage coloration allows them to blend in with their natural environment in North America, i.e., the branches and bark of surrounding plants, helping them to camouflage themselves.
This species of owl can easily blend in with its environment due to its characteristic plumage, which is why it is considered a camouflaged owl.
Little owl feather identification
Little Owl is Scientifically known as Athene noctua, this little owl is native to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Average 8.7 inches in size, these owls are covered in brown and white feathers.
The wing feathers and tail feathers of this species of owl look darker in color than the feathers of other parts of the body.
Most owls of this species have white feathers-like brows just above the eyes, while others have light brown feathers-like brows.
Although these species of owls are predators, they are relatively small compared to other species of owls, so there is always the possibility of being attacked by other predators. But the color of their feathers helps them blend in with the environment.
Large owl feather identification
Large owl usually refers to owls such as the Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Blakiston’s Fish Owl, etc.
Because of the large size of these owls, their feathers are also large. But all these owl species have completely different feather colors and sizes, so you can identify the feathers of these owls based on the size, texture, and color of the different categories of owls I have given above.
Many people get confused about differentiating the feathers of owls from the feathers of birds such as hawks, chiles, etc. It is suggested that you consult an ornithologist near you to learn more about owl flocks.
What Type of Feathers Do Owls Have?
Owls have several types of small and large feathers all over their body. The structure and appearance of these feathers are described below.
Down Feathers:
The down feathers of owls are light, soft, and fluffy. These feathers are shaped at the base of the large feathers all over the owl’s body, forming an air barrier and serving to prevent air from getting away or outside air from getting in, keeping owls warmer in winter.
Contour feathers:
These feathers are located just above the owl’s body, which helps to completely cover the owl’s body. These feathers serve significantly in the owl’s flight. Contour feathers differ in color between species, helping them blend in with their surroundings.
Feathers of the facial disc:
The heart-shaped face of owl feathers is mainly due to the facial disk feathers in their mouth. These feathers have a small shape and are important in sending sound waves to their ears. Because of this, they can easily track the location of their prey, even in the dark.
Semiplume feathers:
Semiplume feathers play an important role in owl flight. The position of these feathers between the contour feathers, down feathers, and semiplume feathers helps them to be extra windproof, so that the feathers do not make unwanted noise when the owl flies, making them an ideal predator for hunting prey.
Filoplumes:
Filoplumes are feathers located on parts of the owl’s face and legs, which play a significant role in the formation of long legs and bloated faces compared to their bodies. The lower part of these feathers looks like down feathers, and the upper part appears like contour feathers.
Ear tufts:
The ear tufts of owls look like cat ears or animal horns. But ear tufts are not visible in all species of owls; ear tufts are usually seen in long-eared owls, great-horned owls, whiskered owls, eastern screech owls, etc.
Ear tufts are not a part of an owl’s ear; ear tufts are a bunch of feathers. Its actual function is unknown, but it contributes a beautiful appearance to the owl.
Owl feather vs. Hawk feather
The hawk is a bird of prey that is visible everywhere on earth except Antarctica. Many people mistake their feathers for owl feathers. I have listed below some differences between hawk feathers and owl feathers.
| Owl feather | Hawk feather |
| Owls can fly silently due to the pectinate structure of their feathers. | Hawk feathers do not have a pectinate structure like owls. |
| Owls have feather tips. | Hawk feathers do not have tips. |
| Owl feathers are usually not brightly colored, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. | The feathers of hawks are usually brightly colored, because of which they cannot blend in with the environment. |
| Owl feathers are larger, softer, and rounder than those of hawks. | Hawk feathers are larger than those of some smaller owls, but not as soft and round as owl feathers. |
Owl feather vs. turkey feather
The feathers of some species of owls are so similar to those of turkey vulture feathers found in Canada and America that many people mistake turkey vulture feathers for owl feathers. Below, I have drawn a comparison between owl feathers and turkey vulture feathers.
| Owl feather | Turkey feather |
| Due to the pectinate structure of owl feathers, the feathers are arranged like a comb. | Turkey feathers have no pectinate structure. |
| Owl feathers are less brightly colored and have two or three color splashes. | Turkey feathers are brightly colored with less shedding. |
| Owl feathers are rounder and softer, but larger in shape than turkey feathers. | Turkey’s feathers are big and shiny. |
| Owl feathers are thinner than turkey feathers. | Turkey’s feathers are thick and large. |
Owl feather vs. eagle feather
The eagle is America’s national bird and is considered to be the largest bird of prey in the world. Of their total 68 species, 11 are found in America. Due to the similarity of their feathers with those of owls, many people mistake the feathers for identification. I have mentioned below some of the differences between eagle feathers and owl feathers.
| Owl feather | Eagle feather |
| Feather barbs are arranged like combs due to pectinate formation in owl feathers. | Eagle feathers also have a pectinate structure similar to owl feathers. |
| Owls have mottled and less bright colors that help them blend in with their surroundings. | Eagle feathers are darker and brighter in color than owls. |
| Owl feathers are generally rounder, softer, and smaller in size than eagle feathers. | Eagle feathers are larger and thicker than owl feathers. |
| 95 percent of the owl’s body is covered with feathers. | 90 percent of the eagle’s body is covered with feathers. |
FAQs
Q. How to differentiate a hawk feather from an owl feather?
Ans: The hawk feather looks very similar to the barred owl feather, but you can easily understand the difference by looking at the picture we have provided.
Q. What does an owl feather look like?
Ans: There are so many species of owls that sometimes you can’t tell which is an owl feather and which is a bird feather just by looking at the color of the feathers. However, owl feathers are softer than other birds’ feathers, and the tip of the feather is stiff.
Q. What does a barred owl feather look like?
Ans: A barred owl’s feathers look like dark brown spots on the white feathers.
Q. What does a barn owl feather look like?
Ans: The feathers of the barn owl are marked with black and white stripes.
Q. What is special about owl feathers?
Ans: The main characteristic of owl feathers is that the upper part of the feather is stiff, and the lower part of the feather is soft and smooth.
Conclusion
In the above content, I provided information regarding the owl feather identification, which is intended to help you choose the right owl feather. You don’t need to use a feather identification app to select the right owl feather.
If you follow my owl feather pictures, feather sizes, and descriptions properly, you will be able to easily identify different owl feathers.
However, if you have ample knowledge about the different species of owls living in your area, i.e., the types of species of owls living in your area, the place where they nest, and when they come out to hunt, your learning will help you find and identify owls.
You can play a pivotal role in preserving owl species from extinction.
