Hummingbird vs. Owl — What's the Difference?

Tiny birds known for their ability to hover.

Nocturnal birds of prey.

Feeds primarily on nectar.

Territorial behavior.

Vibrant plumage.

Carnivorous diet.

Rapid wing movement.

Silent flight.

Long-distance migrants.

Muted coloration for camouflage.

Hummingbirds are birds native to the Americas and comprise the biological family Trochilidae. With about 360 species, they occur from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, but the vast majority of the species is found in the tropics.

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.

Any of numerous birds of the family Trochilidae found throughout the Americas, usually very small in size and having brilliant iridescent plumage, a long slender bill, and wings capable of beating very rapidly, thereby enabling the bird to hover.

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 small American birds in the family Trochilidae that have the ability to hover.

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.

Any bird of the family Trochilidæ, of which over one hundred genera are known, including about four hundred species. They are found only in America and are most abundant in the tropics. They are mostly of very small size with long slender bills adapted to sucking nectar from flowers, and are noted for the very brilliant iridescent colors of their plumage and their peculiar habit of hovering about flowers while vibrating their wings very rapidly with a humming noise; the wings are specialized for hovering flight, but they can also dart forward and fly quite rapidly. They feed both upon the nectar of flowers and upon small insects. The common humming bird or ruby-throat of the Eastern United States is Trochilus colubris. Several other species are found in the Western United States. See Calliope, and Ruby-throat.

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.

Tiny American bird having brilliant iridescent plumage and long slender bills; wings are specialized for vibrating flight

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

An owl pigeon.

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

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

To smuggle contraband goods.

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.

A variety of the domestic pigeon.

To pry about; to prowl.

To carry wool or sheep out of England.

Hence, to carry on any contraband trade.

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

Many hummingbird species undertake long-distance migrations to follow seasonal food sources.

Yes, owls can fly silently thanks to their specialized feather structure.

Hummingbirds can hover due to their unique wing structure and rapid wing flaps.

Hummingbirds primarily consume nectar, while owls are carnivorous, preying on a range of animals.

The main food source for hummingbirds is nectar, though they also eat insects and spiders.

Owls hunt by using their enhanced night vision and silent flight to surprise prey.

Hummingbirds have long, slender beaks and tongues designed for extracting nectar from flowers.

Owls inhabit a variety of habitats, from forests and deserts to urban areas.

While most owls are nocturnal, some species are crepuscular, active at dawn and dusk.

Hummingbirds are important pollinators, transferring pollen between flowers as they feed.

Yes, hummingbirds are one of the few bird species capable of flying backwards.

Hummingbirds lay very small eggs in tiny nests, while owls lay larger eggs and often reuse nests.

Owls are found in nearly every part of the world, from the Arctic to the tropics.

Hummingbirds consume a high-energy diet of nectar and insects to support their rapid wing movement and metabolic rate.

Owls are apex predators, but they can be preyed upon by larger owls and eagles.