Although both the owl and the barn owl belong to the same bird family, there are several aspects that make them different. However, few people know exactly what those dissimilarities are.
The confusion between these two enigmatic and elegant birds is more common than you imagine and, for this reason, from our site, we want to discover and explain this relevant aspect of the animal world. If you want to know what the differences between an owl and an owl really are, read on to find out.
Owls and barn owls, nocturnal birds of prey
Both birds are generally classified as nocturnal birds of prey belonging to the order Strigiformes, which in turn includes the family Strigidae, the owls, and Tytonidae, the owls.
Below we will mention the characteristics of owls and barn owls and we will show you in various sections the differences that will help you distinguish them more precisely:
Owls
There are more than 20 species of owls around the world, the largest species being the famous eagle owl (Bubo bubo), distributed throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. This fascinating species can reach a wingspan of around 2 meters and a height of 70 cm and stands out for its enormous and beautiful orange eyes.
There are many other types of owls worth knowing, such as the snowy owl or white owl (Bubo scandiacus), almost as big as the eagle owl and whose main characteristic is its light color, especially the males. It inhabits cold regions of America and Europe and you might recognize it best from Hedwig, the famous "owl" from Harry Potter.
Owls
Owls reach an average of between 32 and 40 cm and weigh about half a kilo. Of all the species that exist in the world, about 20, the barn owl or snowy owl (Tyto alba) is the most abundant, present almost everywhere of the world. It is common to find this slender bird with contrasting plumage in shades of gold, white and silver in cities, where it feeds on rodents and small birds.
Similarities between owls and barn owls
Although in this article we will highlight the differences between both birds, it is also important to mention what are the common characteristics that they share:
Among their similarities are the thickness and softness of the plumage and their diet. Insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, small rodents and even birds are a regular part of the diet of species of owls and barn owls. These birds lack a crop, so they swallow their prey whole, then regurgitate the indigestible parts, such as hair, bones, and claws, into a ball called a pellet.
In terms of skills, both share the extraordinary ability to turn their heads up to 270º and excellent senses of hearing and sight. Of nocturnal habits, both animals are capable of hunting in the strictest darkness. Finally, they are usually solitary and territorial animals, although some species may form pairs for seasons or even for life.
Appearance differences
At first glance, we can see some physical differences: Owls are much larger and stockier than their owl companions, who they tend to have smaller, flatter faces. As for the head, while owls have a rounded head with large eyes, usually yellow and somewhat closer together than those of owls, the latter have a curious heart shape, with smaller eyes and an almond shape.
Unlike owls, barn owls have feathers on their claws that help keep them warm, but they don't have raised feathers that simulate ears on their heads, one of the characteristics that best differentiates them. In addition, these birds have lighter colors than their congeners, the owls.
Communication differences
One of the most interesting aspects of these birds is their communication system Owls communicate hooting, with loud sounds that slowly fade away, often with the intention of communicating with another bird of the same species. Owls, on the other hand, depending on the species and region they inhabit, emit squeaks, shrieks, whistles and even chirps and squawks.
Location differences
The owls inhabit almost all the continents, except Antarctica, adapting physically to the conditions of each place. They generally occupy forests near rivers, streams, and swampsAlso, some species of owls, unlike barn owls, are migratory.
On the other hand, the owls do live on all the planet's continents, normally located in high mountain areas or large meadows, marshes or agricultural fields Depending on the region, their physical conditions, such as plumage, adapt to the conditions.
Playback Differences
As for reproduction, owls have two to twelve eggsper clutch with one month incubation, the owls around five to seven eggs at intervals. This fact shows that the latter have more intelligence, as they are able to control their laying by laying fewer eggs when there is a shortage of food.
The raising of the chicks is also different in both birds, while both the female and male owls are in charge of getting food and keep the nest clean, normally placed between a hollow or hole in a tree, in the owl family the male is the one who is dedicated to searching for food while the female takes care of the chicks, located in the nests that they had already built other species.
Other important data
In some areas of the globe, owls are considered a sign of wisdom, intelligence and justice Although they do not always keep this good fame, in certain areas and cultures, both birds are related to superstitions of omens of death or bad luck
However, far from belief or supposition, what is completely real is that these birds have seen their habitat destroyed by human action. Illegal logging, indiscriminate hunting, capture for sale and invasion by people have reduced the number of specimens and the natural habitat of owls and barn owls. As a consequence, many species are endangered or in a state of vulnerability because their population is declining, such as the snowy owl.
For this reason, today there are various conservation programs to increase the number of owls and barn owls in the wild, as well as educational efforts to make people aware of the need to care for and conserve these fascinating birds and their habitats.
