ear tufts
Owl head feathers
Ear tufts are the elongated feathers that rise from the heads of certain owl species, resembling pointed ears or horns.
They have nothing to do with actual ears or hearing—owl ears are hidden openings on the sides of the head.
The tufts likely serve for camouflage or communication between owls: The great horned owl is named for its prominent ear tufts.
Tufted-eared wild feline
- great horned owlTufted nocturnal American raptor
- caracalTufted-eared wild feline
- bobcatWild cat, abbreviated tail
- screech owlSmall owl, harsh voice
eagle owl · serval · ocelot · harpy eagle · squirrel
Bird's lightweight covering
- furAnimal body hair
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- bristlesCoarse animal hairs
- crestHighest point or tuft
quills · hackles · whiskers · vibrissae · pelt · setae · pinnae · auricular
Concealment through visual blending
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
- displayPresentation for viewing
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
- territorialDefensive about owned space
Ornamental clip-on millinery
- aigretteOrnamental feather spray
- headpieceCovering worn on skull
- costumeClothing for portrayal
- headdressOrnamental head covering
millinery · decorative · feathered hat · theatrical · cosplay · headband
lynx
Tufted-eared wild feline
- great horned owlTufted nocturnal American raptor
- caracalTufted-eared wild feline
- bobcatWild cat, abbreviated tail
screech owl · eagle owl · serval · ocelot · harpy eagle · squirrel
feathers
Bird's lightweight covering
crest · quills · hackles · whiskers · vibrissae · pelt · setae · pinnae · auricular · tufted
camouflage
Concealment through visual blending
- communicationExchanging ideas or information
- displayPresentation for viewing
- expressionConveyed thought or feeling
territorial · mating display · alertness · concealment · adaptation
fascinator
Ornamental clip-on millinery
headdress · millinery · decorative · feathered hat · theatrical · cosplay · headband