Great Horned Owl vs Snowy Owl
Bubo virginianus comparé à Bubo scandiacus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribut | Great Horned Owl | Snowy Owl |
|---|---|---|
| Nom scientifique | Bubo virginianus | Bubo scandiacus |
| Ordre | Strigiformes | Strigiformes |
| Famille | Strigidae | Strigidae |
| Statut de conservation | Least Concern | Vulnerable |
| Longueur | 55,0 cm (21.7 in) | 63,0 cm (24.8 in) |
| Envergure | 127,0 cm (50.0 in) | 145,0 cm (57.1 in) |
| Poids | 1400,0 g (49.38 oz) | 2100,0 g (74.08 oz) |
| Régime alimentaire | Extremely diverse — mammals (rabbits, skunks, rodents), birds (including other raptors), reptiles, amphibians, and fish. … | Primarily lemmings on the breeding grounds, where a pair may consume over 1,500 per year. … |
| Taille de la couvée | 1-4 | 3-14 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Habitats partagés
Snowy Owl only
Great Horned Owl
Diverse habitats including forests, deserts, swamps, urban parks, and suburban areas. Nests in tree hollows, cliff ledges, and abandoned nests of other large birds.
Snowy Owl
Arctic tundra for breeding. Winters in open habitats resembling tundra, including prairies, airports, shorelines, and agricultural fields.
Song & Call Comparison
Great Horned Owl
Deep, resonant 'who-who-who-who-ooo': the classic 'hoo-h'HOO-hoo-hoo' territorial duet of a mated pair. Booms at dusk. Female pitch slightly higher than male.
Snowy Owl
Male gives a deep booming hoot 'hooooo' and a rising 'hoo-hoo' series. Also barks sharply when alarmed. Quieter than many owls; silent during long Arctic winter hunts.
Geographic Range & Migration
Great Horned Owl
North and South America from subarctic Canada to Tierra del Fuego. One of the most widespread owls in the Americas.
Snowy Owl
Circumpolar Arctic for breeding. Irruptive winter movements bring birds south to the northern United States, Europe, and Asia.
Statut de conservation
Great Horned Owl
Snowy Owl
How to Tell Them Apart
Great Horned Owl
Mottled grey-brown plumage with heavy dark barring. Prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, and a white throat patch give a fierce expression.
Dark grey-black hooked bill almost hidden by facial disc feathers
Snowy Owl
Adult males are almost entirely white. Females and immatures have dark brown barring and spotting. Yellow eyes and fully feathered feet.
Dark hooked bill mostly hidden by dense facial feathering
Key Differences
- • Weight: Great Horned Owl (1400g) vs Snowy Owl (2100g)
- • Length: Great Horned Owl (55 cm) vs Snowy Owl (63 cm)
- • Wingspan: Great Horned Owl (127 cm) vs Snowy Owl (145 cm)
- • Conservation: Great Horned Owl (Least Concern) vs Snowy Owl (Vulnerable)
- • Habitat: Great Horned Owl prefers Diverse habitats including forests, deserts, swamps, urban p; Snowy Owl prefers Arctic tundra for breeding. Winters in open habitats resembl
About These Birds
Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is the most powerful and widespread owl in the Americas, earning the nickname tiger of the sky. It is one of the earliest nesting birds, often laying eggs in January when snow still covers the ground. Great horned owls are fierce predators, regularly taking prey up to three times their own weight.
Snowy Owl
The snowy owl is the heaviest North American owl and one of the most charismatic Arctic birds. Unlike most owls, it is largely diurnal, necessitated by the continuous daylight of Arctic summers. Snowy owl irruptions — periodic mass southward movements — are tied to lemming population cycles.