"Eyes of the Spirit World"

In many tribes, the Great Horned Owl was considered a spirit guide or tutelary spirit for individuals, particularly for those who had connections to the night, dreams, or the spirit world. The Great Horned Owl gets its name from the tufts of feathers on its head that resemble horns or ears. These tufts, however, are not ears but are used for display and communication. Early settlers and naturalists noticed these distinctive "horns" and thus named the bird the Great Horned Owl. The name distinguishes it from other owl species, reflecting its large size and prominent feather tufts. These tufts give it an imposing and iconic silhouette, especially in the dim light where owls are most active.