Ear tufts are prominent if raised ... maxwelliae is the palest and most faintly marked. The western screech owl’s bill is blackish or dark gray at the base, but gray-plumaged individuals ...
The great horned owl is the most common owl of the Americas, easily recognizable because of the feather tufts on its head. These “plumicorns” resemble horns or, to some, catlike ears.