People have always been fascinated with owls and eagles, which haven’t changed over time. Both of these are aggressive birds that are known to combat and protect their territory. However, eagles are considerably more powerful and more sturdy than owls. Also, they are larger and weigh more than owls.
Table of Contents
Take a look at the overview below to see how the Owl and the Eagle differ from each other.
Overview
| Owl | Eagle |
|---|---|
| Owls make barks, hoots, cries, whistles, and coos sounds. | They produce calls that are frequently a sequence of strong whistles or piping notes in succession |
| Short tail | Long-tail as compared to an owl |
| Smaller beak | Larger hooked beak |
| Small and compact body | Larger and heavier body |
| Known as the tiger of the air | Known as the apex predator (in bird kingdom) |
| Owls may be found in a wide range of environments, including coniferous woods, mountains, deserts, and plains, etc | Similarly, eagles are also found in many environments, including high-altitude forests, mountain peaks, and deserts. Some small species may also be found in plain areas |
| They can be seen roosting alone, in couples, or in family groups during the mating season; however, they may form smaller flocks outside the mating season. | Do not live in a flock. Live alone or in pairs. |
| Tan, brownish, grey, reddish colored, and white are the most common hues seen in owl feathers, with ten being the most common. | Feather color usually depends upon species. Mostly include different shades of brown, black, white, and golden. |
| Usually eat frogs, rabbits, lizards, snakes, small fish, mice, squirrels, birds, and other creatures | They exist on various diets ranging from fish to small mammals, like rabbits and lambs. |
| The average lifespan is 9-10 years (wild) | The average lifespan is 15-25 years (wild) |
| Seldom migrate usually live in the same place | Long-distant migrant |
| Clutch size depends upon species, but usually, they have 4-12 eggs in one clutch | Have 1-3 eggs in on the clutch |
Differences between Owl vs Eagle
Size
Owls have a size range of around 6–28 inches and wingspans ranging from 1–6 feet in length. The majority of owl species are on the smaller side of the size spectrum. Their weight varies according to their species; however, it is often between 2-3.5 pounds.
The size of an eagle varies depending on the species; nevertheless, the typical size of an eagle is 14 to 40 inches in length and 1.2 to 14 pounds in weight.
Habitat
Owls may be found on every continent, with the exception of Antarctica, and they have inherited several distant island groupings, such as Hawaiian Island, from their ancestors. However, they prefer to dwell in polar tundra, marshlands, deciduous woods, pine forest, dunes, and agricultural areas rather than other types of environments.
On the other hand, different eagle species may be found in different parts of the world. Golden eagles may be found worldwide, including Eurasia, Africa, and Central America, where they can be seen in large numbers. The range of this eagle’s population extends from Alaska to Mexico’s Central and Southern regions in the USA. On the other hand, these birds prefer to reside in grasslands, shrublands, woods, deciduous forests, and tundra rather than urban areas.
Appearance
Owls are easily distinguished by their huge, spherical heads and large eyes, which are instantly apparent. They also have a beak that is angled downward, as well as soft, cryptically colored plumage. Males and females are typically identical in appearance, with the exception of the female being up to 25-27 % bigger than the male.
Eagles are distinguished by their white heads and tails and their dark brown bellies and wings. Eagles have enormous hooked beaks that are used to rend flesh off their victims, as well as strong, muscular legs and sharp talons. The beak of most eagles is generally heavier than that of the owl. The eyes of eagles are incredibly strong. Their limbs and bills are a brilliant shade of yellow. Immature birds primarily have blackheads and tails, and their brownish wings are speckled with white/brown. Young birds reach adult plumage after around five years.
Diet
A large number of owls are carnivores, meaning they consume meat. Many owl species feed primarily on small rodent-like animals, such as voles and mice, which are the major food of many owl species. Frogs, reptiles, snakes, fishes, rats, bunnies, birds, foxes, and other species may also be found in an owl’s diet, as well as other types of prey. Great Horned Owls may occasionally find skunks (see also skunk symbolism) to be delectable enough to consume them.
Eagles are believed to be at the top of the food chain, and the food of eagles varies depending on the species and the environment in which they live. Golden eagles are carnivores, and they prey mostly on small animals such as rabbits, foxes, raccoons, and marmots, among other species. Bald eagles are likewise carnivorous, and because they are renowned as fish eaters, their major source of nutrition is fish. However, small species of birds, bunnies, lizards, crabs, and amphibians can also be found in their diet.
Behavior
Two-tone hooting is often used in owl mating rituals, and once a couple has been formed, they will remain together until death. Most owl species usually do not build their own nests; rather, they steal over the nests of other birds and make them their own. It takes the mother owl a few days to deposit from one to eleven eggs, yielding an average of six litters per year. The eggs hatch between 25-32 days after being laid. The chick hacks its way out of the egg and departs the nest after 3 to 4 weeks.
Eagles only mate once in their lives. The female golden eagle lays its eggs between February and May, and the incubation period is between 42 and 45 days, depending on the species. The babies hatch out at intervals of many days between each other. The golden eagles’ offspring are nourished by both the male and female of the species. The hatchlings remain in the nest for 47 to 80 days after hopping, walking, or falling out of the nest.
Additionally, most eagles are monogamous, meaning they only mate once during their whole lifespan of living together. When the couple has finished building the nest, females lay eggs and incubate.
Similarities between Owl vs Eagle
The Owl and the Eagle are both fascinating large birds to watch. To begin with, both of them have razor-sharp talons that they use to capture their prey. In addition to being superb hunters, both of these birds are also excellent flycatchers. Both these birds have razor-sharp beaks. In order to find food, both birds depend on their exceptional vision and hearing. Both birds are carnivores. They are frequently successful in capturing their prey alive. The next similarity is that both birds have beautiful feathers.
Interesting facts about Owls
Most owls have uneven ears of varying sizes and heights. They have a huge hearing capability, and they can find prey even if they can’t see it. Owls’ necks can rotate 270 degrees. When the neck moves, a blood pooling system gathers blood to fuel their brains and eyes.
More owl fun facts:
- A group of owls is often termed as a parliament.
- Owls prey on other owls too. For example, Great Horned Owls prey on the Barred Owl.
- The Northern Hawk Owl can see a vole to eat from half a mile away.
- Read more about the owl symbolism and we also compared the owl vs crow.
Here you can check all Owl sounds
Interesting facts about Eagles
Eagles may be the natural predators at the top of their food chain, but that does not mean they will remain there indefinitely. Aside from weakening their talons, the beaks of eagles distort and bend as they get older. It would be difficult for them to feed if the shape of their beaks altered.
Other intriguing facts about the Eagles:
- While eagles have brownish/blackish feathers on their bodies, their heads and tails are usually white.
- Eagles have the ability to fly at speeds of up to 160 kph.
- The bald eagle has been named not because of its lack of hair but because of its appearance.
- Read more about the eagle symbolism.
Here you can check all Eagle sounds
Field Identification Tips
Owl
Asymmetrical eyes with small size and weight as compared to eagles. Owls have huge color variations, but the most common color is brown. Owls may rotate their head up to 270 degrees.
Eagle
Apex predator. Usually brownish-black feathers with white head and tail. Yellow beak and legs with sharp talons. Usually found in high altitudes.
Final Verdict
Both Owls and Eagles are fascinating predators, and sometimes they even battle for food. Eagles are bigger and larger and have the advantage of flying for more time at high altitudes.
