Owl (General) look-alikes
Varies by species (e.g., Bubo virginianus, Strix aluco, Otus asio)
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Owl (General). Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Key differences
Large size, prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, white throat patch. Often confused with Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) in Eurasia, which is generally larger and has orange eyes.
Barred Owl
Strix varia
Key differences
No ear tufts, dark eyes, distinctive 'who cooks for you' call. Plumage is barred horizontally on the chest and vertically on the belly. Can be confused with Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis) in western North America, which has a more spotted appearance and different vocalizations.
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Key differences
Heart-shaped facial disc, dark eyes, pale underparts, often golden-buff upperparts. Distinctive hissing and screeching calls. Unique family (Tytonidae) with different skeletal features than typical owls (Strigidae).
Eastern Screech-Owl
Megascops asio
Key differences
Small size, prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes, polymorphic (red, gray, or brown morphs). Distinctive trilling or whinnying calls. Can be confused with Western Screech-Owl (Megascops kennicottii) which has a 'bouncing ball' call.
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