Both the great horned owl and the bald eagle are large, impressive birds of prey. But when it comes to their size, which raptor is bigger – the owl or the eagle? In this article, we will compare the size and dimensions of these two bird species to definitively determine which one is larger.
Wingspan
Let’s first look at wingspan, which is the distance from the tip of one wing to the tip of the other when the bird’s wings are spread out. The great horned owl has an impressive wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters). That’s wider than some humans are tall! However, the bald eagle has an even more massive wingspan. Bald eagles measure 6 to 7.5 feet (1.8 to 2.3 m) across, with the females generally having a larger wingspan than the males. So when it comes to sheer wingspan, the clear winner is the bald eagle.
Body Length
In terms of body length, the great horned owl measures between 17 to 25 inches (43 to 64 cm) from head to tail. Females are typically on the higher end of that range. The bald eagle has a body length of 28 to 38 inches (71 to 96 cm), with females again being larger. So while the owl is no small bird, the eagle once again comes out on top for body size and length.
Body Weight
When looking at weight, these birds of prey are much more closely matched. Great horned owls typically weigh between 3 and 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kg). Large females may weigh up to 5 pounds (2.3 kg) while small males could weigh as little as 2 pounds (0.9 kg). Bald eagles have an average weight range of 8 to 14 pounds (3.6 to 6.4 kg). However, some large female bald eagles can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg)! So while their weight ranges overlap, bald eagles tend to far outweigh your average great horned owl.
Measurement | Great Horned Owl | Bald Eagle |
---|---|---|
Wingspan | 3.3 – 5 feet | 6 – 7.5 feet |
Body Length | 17 – 25 inches | 28 – 38 inches |
Body Weight | 2 – 5 pounds | 8 – 20 pounds |
Flight and Diving Capabilities
The size and weight of these birds directly impacts their flight and diving capabilities. The great horned owl’s shorter, stockier wings allow it to take off almost silently in pursuit of prey. Its light and nimble frame also enables surprisingly fast and agile flight through dense woods and forests. Bald eagles have broader wings optimized for soaring high in the sky and riding air currents. Their larger size gives them the power to carry heavy prey items, but reduces their maneuverability. During dives, great horned owls can reach speeds up to 40 mph. Bald eagles can reach downward dives of 75 to 99 mph when hunting thanks to their larger, heavier bodies.
Habitat and Range
Both owl and eagle inhabit large territories across North America. Great horned owls live in a diverse range of habitats from coast to coast, absent only from extreme northern Canada and Alaska. They thrive in forests, swamps, deserts, fields, and even urban areas. Bald eagles primarily stick to areas near water where they can find fish, their main food source. They are found near coasts, rivers, and lakes across most of North America as far north as Alaska and Canada. The bald eagle’s range is limited only by available food and access to open water for foraging.
Bird | Habitat | Range |
---|---|---|
Great Horned Owl | Forests, swamps, fields, deserts, urban areas | Across most of North America except extreme northern areas |
Bald Eagle | Coasts, rivers, lakes | Across most of North America near water sources |
Breeding
Both the great horned owl and bald eagle begin breeding at one year of age. Great horned owls nest in the abandoned nests of other large birds or tree cavities, while bald eagles build large stick nests high up in trees near water. The great horned owl clutch contains 2-3 eggs, while bald eagles lay 1-3 eggs. The female performs the majority of incubation and rearing duties in both species, with the smaller male providing some assistance. After a similar incubation period of around 35 days, great horned owls are ready to leave the nest after 4-5 weeks while bald eagles fledge after 10-12 weeks.
Threats and Conservation Status
Both of these bird species suffered population declines in the 20th century. Great horned owls were threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and human persecution. Bald eagles experienced devastating impacts from the pesticide DDT until it was banned in 1972. They remain vulnerable to habitat destruction, illegal shooting, lead poisoning, and environmental contaminants. However, conservation efforts have helped both species recover. Bald eagles were removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 2007 and great horned owls are not considered threatened or endangered today.
Summary and Conclusion
So in summary, when comparing the great horned owl to the bald eagle, the eagle comes out on top in terms of size measurements. Bald eagles have a significantly larger wingspan, greater body length, and heavier average weight. The great horned owl is a sizable raptor in its own right, but is simply dwarfed in size by America’s national bird. However, the owl makes up for its smaller dimensions with greater aerial agility and the ability to take off noiselessly, making it a lethal nighttime hunter. While differing in size and habitat, both the great horned owl and bald eagle are powerful predators that play an important role as apex avian predators across the North American continent.