Owl vs. Eagle — What's the Difference?

Nocturnal birds of prey with silent flight.

Diurnal birds of prey with powerful flight.

Known for distinctive facial disks.

Diet includes larger prey, like fish and mammals.

Solitary and elusive nature.

Less solitary, especially during breeding season.

Hunts using exceptional hearing and sight.

Builds large nests in high places.

Varied diet based on prey size and availability.

Recognized by their size and sharp vision.

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.

Eagle is the common name for many large birds of prey of the family Accipitridae. Eagles belong to several groups of genera, some of which are closely related.

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 large diurnal birds of prey of the family Accipitridae, including members of the genera Aquila and Haliaeetus, characterized by broad wings, a hooked bill, keen vision, and soaring flight.

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 representation of an eagle used as an emblem or insignia.

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.

A gold coin formerly used in the United States, stamped with an eagle on the reverse side and having a face value of ten dollars.

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

(Sports) A golf score of two strokes under par on a hole.

An owl pigeon.

To shoot (a hole in golf) in two strokes under par.

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

To score an eagle in golf.

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

Any of several large carnivorous and carrion-eating birds in the family Accipitridae, having a powerful hooked bill and keen vision.

To smuggle contraband goods.

A gold coin with a face value of ten dollars, formerly used in the United States.

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 13th-century coin minted in Europe and circulated in England as a debased sterling silver penny, outlawed under Edward I of England.

A variety of the domestic pigeon.

(golf) A score of two under par for a hole.

To pry about; to prowl.

(golf) To score an eagle.

To carry wool or sheep out of England.

Any large, rapacious bird of the Falcon family, esp. of the genera Aquila and Haliæetus. The eagle is remarkable for strength, size, graceful figure, keenness of vision, and extraordinary flight. The most noted species are the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaëtus); the imperial eagle of Europe (Aquila mogilnik or Aquila imperialis); the American bald eagle (Haliæetus leucocephalus); the European sea eagle (Haliæetus albicilla); and the great harpy eagle (Thrasaetus harpyia). The figure of the eagle, as the king of birds, is commonly used as an heraldic emblem, and also for standards and emblematic devices. See Bald eagle, Harpy, and Golden eagle.

Hence, to carry on any contraband trade.

A gold coin of the United States, of the value of ten dollars.

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

A northern constellation, containing Altair, a star of the first magnitude. See Aquila.

The figure of an eagle borne as an emblem on the standard of the ancient Romans, or so used upon the seal or standard of any people.

Any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight

(golf) a score of two strokes under par on a hole

A former gold coin in the United States worth 10 dollars

An emblem representing power;

Shoot in two strokes under par

Eagles have exceptionally sharp vision for day hunting, while owls have excellent night vision and hearing.

Owls are generally more solitary, whereas eagles can be less solitary, especially during breeding seasons.

While they may share some habitats, their different activity times (nocturnal vs. diurnal) and hunting strategies reduce direct competition.

Most owls have specialized feather adaptations for silent flight, aiding in their nocturnal hunting.

Urbanization can lead to habitat loss and reduced prey availability, though some species adapt to urban environments.

Eagles are top predators but can face threats from humans and occasionally from other large birds or animals when young or eggs.

Conservation efforts include habitat protection, pollution control, and legal protections against hunting and trade.

Owls hoot to communicate, marking territory and signaling to potential mates.

While most owls are nocturnal, some species may be active during dawn or dusk, showing some diurnal activity.

Some eagle species, like the bald eagle, can swim using a rowing motion with their wings.

Eagles use their powerful build, including strong talons and keen vision, to swoop down and catch prey.

As predators, they help control prey populations and maintain ecological balance.

Eagle nests, especially those of species like the bald eagle, can be massive, several feet in diameter and depth.

Eagle calls are powerful and can be heard over long distances, used for communication and territorial claims.

Owls' silent flight and acute hearing are adapted for nocturnal hunting, while eagles' strength and vision are suited for daylight predation.