Barred Owl vs Great Horned Owl
How does the Barred Owl compare to the Great Horned 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
- Bubo virginianus
- Classification
- Bird
- Bird
- Family
- Strigidae
- Strigidae
- Habitat
- Mature forests, often near water bodies
- Forests, woodlands, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 8-10 years in the wild
- 13-15 years in the wild
- Weight
- 470-1050 grams
- 1.0–2.5 kg
Barred Owl vs Great Horned Owl: who would win?
Barred Owl
470-1050 grams
Great Horned Owl
1.0–2.5 kg
Great Horned Owl wins moderate confidence
Great Horned Owl is substantially heavier (1.0–2.5 kg vs 470-1050 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 Forests, woodlands, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas.
- Weight: 470-1050 grams vs 1.0–2.5 kg.
Barred Owl vs Great Horned Owl: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Barred Owl or a Great Horned Owl?
Great Horned Owl wins. Great Horned Owl is substantially heavier (1.0–2.5 kg vs 470-1050 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 Great Horned Owl?
Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl differ in several ways — habitat: mature forests, often near water bodies vs forests, woodlands, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas. weight: 470-1050 grams vs 1.0–2.5 kg.
Do Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl live in the same habitat?
No — Barred Owl lives in mature forests, often near water bodies, while Great Horned Owl is found in forests, woodlands, grasslands, deserts, wetlands, and urban areas.
What do Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl eat?
Both Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Barred Owl or the Great Horned Owl?
Barred Owl is listed as Least Concern, while Great Horned Owl is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl?
Barred Owl weighs around 470-1050 grams, while Great Horned Owl weighs around 1.0–2.5 kg.
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Barred Owl
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Great Horned Owl
