Snowy Owl vs Northern Hawk Owl

In short

The Snowy Owl is a large, mostly white owl with a round head and yellow eyes, while the Northern Hawk Owl is smaller, with a more hawk-like appearance and pointed wings. Snowy Owls are often seen on the ground or low perches, whereas Northern Hawk Owls prefer high perches and have a more falcon-like flight.

Identification tips

• Size and shape: Snowy Owl is larger and bulkier; Northern Hawk Owl is more streamlined with a longer tail.
• Plumage: Look for the Snowy Owl's mostly white plumage versus the Northern Hawk Owl's streaked pattern.
• Perching behavior: Snowy Owls often perch on the ground; Northern Hawk Owls prefer high, prominent perches.
• Flight style: Snowy Owls have a more owl-like, buoyant flight; Northern Hawk Owls fly with fast, falcon-like strokes.

Size

Snowy Owl is significantly larger, with a wingspan of 125–166 cm, compared to the Northern Hawk Owl's more compact size.

Plumage

Snowy Owls are predominantly white, with males being almost pure white and females showing more dark barring. Northern Hawk Owls have a more patterned appearance with brown and white streaks, and a distinctive facial disc.

Behaviour

Snowy Owls often perch on the ground or low structures, while Northern Hawk Owls prefer high perches and exhibit fast, falcon-like flight.

Habitat

Snowy Owls inhabit open tundra and fields, often seen during winter in southern regions. Northern Hawk Owls are found in boreal forests and open woodlands, occasionally moving south in irruptive years.

Voice

Vocalizations differ, but specific calls are not detailed in the provided notes.