Fowl vs. Owl — What's the Difference?

Domestic birds primarily raised for food.

Predatory habits important for controlling pests.

Often found in agricultural settings.

Symbolic in many cultures for wisdom.

Broad term including chickens, turkeys, ducks.

Nocturnal bird of prey with binocular vision.

Any bird used in meat production.

Known for its hooting sound.

Sometimes used to describe wild birds hunted for sport.

Exists in various species across many regions.

Fowl are birds belonging to one of two biological orders, namely the gamefowl or landfowl (Galliformes) and the waterfowl (Anseriformes). Anatomical and molecular similarities suggest these two groups are close evolutionary relatives; together, they form the fowl clade which is scientifically known as Galloanserae (initially termed Galloanseri) (Latin gallus (“rooster”) + ānser (“goose”)).

Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes , which includes over 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. Exceptions include the diurnal northern hawk-owl and the gregarious burrowing owl.

A gallinaceous bird kept for its eggs and flesh; a domestic cock or hen.

Any of various often nocturnal birds of prey of the order Strigiformes, having hooked and feathered talons, a large head with a short hooked beak, large eyes set forward, and fluffy plumage that allows for almost noiseless flight.

Any of various birds of the order Galliformes, especially the common, widely domesticated chicken (Gallus domesticus).

Any of several breeds of domestic pigeons having a very short beak somewhat like that of an owl and often a frill of feathers on the chest.

A bird, such as a duck, goose, turkey, or pheasant, that is used as food or hunted as game.

Any of various birds of prey of the order Strigiformes that are primarily nocturnal and have forward-looking, binocular vision, limited eye movement, and good hearing.

The flesh of such birds used as food.

(by extension) A person seen as having owl-like characteristics, especially appearing wise or serious, or being nocturnally active.

A bird of any kind.

An owl pigeon.

To hunt, trap, or shoot wildfowl.

A politician with moderate views that are neither hawkish nor dovish.

(archaic) A bird.

Any of various nymphalid butterflies, especially in the genus Caligo, having large eyespots on the wings.

A bird of the order Galliformes, including chickens, turkeys, pheasant, partridges and quail.

To smuggle contraband goods.

Birds which are hunted or kept for food, including Galliformes and also waterfowl of the order Anseriformes such as ducks, geese and swans, together forming the clade Galloanserae.

Any species of raptorial birds of the family Strigidæ. They have large eyes and ears, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits.

To hunt fowl.

A variety of the domestic pigeon.

Any bird; esp., any large edible bird.

To pry about; to prowl.

Any domesticated bird used as food, as a hen, turkey, duck; in a more restricted sense, the common domestic cock or hen (Gallus domesticus).

To carry wool or sheep out of England.

To catch or kill wild fowl, for game or food, as by shooting, or by decoys, nets, etc.

Hence, to carry on any contraband trade.

A domesticated gallinaceous bird though to be descended from the red jungle fowl

Nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

The flesh of a bird or fowl (wild or domestic) used as food

Hunt fowl

Hunt fowl in the forest

Owls are nocturnal with distinctive calls and are known for their silent flight.

Owls control pest populations and help maintain ecological balance.

While most commonly domesticated, some wild birds hunted for sport are also classified as fowl.

Fowl are domesticated birds like chickens and turkeys, often raised for agricultural purposes.

Owls prefer secluded, often wooded or grassland areas away from human disturbance.

Yes, fowl like chickens are part of various cultural rituals and cuisines around the world.

Owls primarily eat a carnivorous diet, including insects, rodents, and small birds.

Yes, certain types of fowl like wild turkeys can be found in natural environments.

Fowl like chickens are prolific breeders, often kept for their ability to quickly produce eggs and meat.

Owls are not typically suitable pets due to their specific care needs and wild nature.

Common species include the barn owl, the snowy owl, and the Great Horned Owl.

An owl's night vision allows it to be an effective nocturnal hunter.

Fowl are integral to agriculture for their meat, eggs, and feathers.

Fowl communicate through various sounds but are not known for a specific call like the owl's hoot.

While often seen as wise, in some cultures, owls are also associated with superstitions and myths.