Barred Owl vs Burrowing Owl
How does the Barred Owl compare to the Burrowing Owl? They are both members of the Strigidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Strix varia
- Athene cunicularia
- Classification
- Bird
- Bird
- Family
- Strigidae
- Strigidae
- Habitat
- Mature forests, often near water bodies
- Grasslands, prairies, deserts, and open scrublands
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 8-10 years in the wild
- 6-8 years in the wild
- Weight
- 470-1050 grams
- 140-240 grams
Barred Owl vs Burrowing Owl: who would win?

Barred Owl
470-1050 grams

Burrowing Owl
140-240 grams
Barred Owl wins high confidence
Barred Owl is substantially heavier (470-1050 grams vs 140-240 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are birds.
- Both belong to the Strigidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Mature forests, often near water bodies vs Grasslands, prairies, deserts, and open scrublands.
- Weight: 470-1050 grams vs 140-240 grams.
Barred Owl vs Burrowing Owl: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Barred Owl or a Burrowing Owl?
Barred Owl wins. Barred Owl is substantially heavier (470-1050 grams vs 140-240 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Barred Owl and a Burrowing Owl?
Barred Owl and Burrowing Owl differ in several ways — habitat: mature forests, often near water bodies vs grasslands, prairies, deserts, and open scrublands. weight: 470-1050 grams vs 140-240 grams.
Do Barred Owl and Burrowing Owl live in the same habitat?
No — Barred Owl lives in mature forests, often near water bodies, while Burrowing Owl is found in grasslands, prairies, deserts, and open scrublands.
What do Barred Owl and Burrowing Owl eat?
Both Barred Owl and Burrowing Owl have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Barred Owl or the Burrowing Owl?
Barred Owl is listed as Least Concern, while Burrowing Owl is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Barred Owl and Burrowing Owl?
Barred Owl weighs around 470-1050 grams, while Burrowing Owl weighs around 140-240 grams.

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Barred Owl

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Burrowing Owl




