Great Horned Owl vs Lesser Horned Owl

In short

The Great Horned Owl and Lesser Horned Owl can be distinguished by size and plumage details. The Great Horned Owl is larger and has a more varied plumage, while the Lesser Horned Owl is smaller, browner, and has a more finely barred underbelly.

Identification tips

1. Size: Look for the larger size of the Great Horned Owl. 2. Plumage: Note the browner and more finely barred underbelly of the Lesser Horned Owl. 3. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Lesser Horned Owl is more likely in rocky areas. 4. Vocalization: Listen for distinct calls if possible.

Size

The Great Horned Owl is larger and more robust compared to the smaller Lesser Horned Owl.

Plumage

The Great Horned Owl exhibits a more varied plumage with a mix of browns and grays, while the Lesser Horned Owl is generally browner with a more finely barred underbelly.

Behaviour

Both species are perch-and-pounce hunters with similar hunting behaviors, but the Lesser Horned Owl is more associated with rocky areas.

Habitat

The Great Horned Owl inhabits a wide range of environments including forests and deserts, while the Lesser Horned Owl is more commonly found in rocky areas and valleys in the Andes and Patagonia.

Voice

Vocalizations are a key difference; the Lesser Horned Owl has distinct calls compared to the Great Horned Owl, though specific details are not provided.