Great Horned Owl vs Barred Owl: Calls, Size and Habitat
Dawn in eastern woods gives you one of these two — and their voices alone identify them before your bins come up.
Field marks at a glance
| Great Horned | Barred | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 50–63 cm, heavy | 48–55 cm, lighter |
| Ears | Prominent horn tufts | Round head, dark eyes |
| Eyes | Yellow | Dark brown |
| Voice | Deep hoo-h’HOO-hoo-hoo | Who cooks for you, who cooks for you-all |
| Habitat | Almost everywhere — woods, suburbs, deserts | Mature moist eastern forests, bottomlands |
Temperament difference
Great horneds are the heavyweight generalists — they take skunks, hawks and other owls, and will defend nests aggressively. Barreds are forest interior specialists whose range has been expanding west, putting them in growing contact (and conflict) with spotted owls further along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which owl is more common at bird feeders?
Neither hunts feeders, but great horned owls hunt the rabbits and rats that feeders attract — suburban edges are genuinely their habitat. Barreds stay with deep woods.
Do barred owls really say ‘who cooks for you’?
The mnemonic is remarkably accurate — the eight-note cadence carries well through forest and is the standard ID tool before dawn light.
Can a great horned owl kill a hawk?
Yes — great horneds are apex nocturnal predators documented taking red-tailed hawks, other owls and skunks. At a roost, nothing locally is truly safe.
Why do these two owls fight?
Great horneds prey on barred owls where ranges overlap; barred owls respond with daytime mobbing. Finding barred feathers under a horned roost is a routine naturalist’s observation.
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These are all experiences I've gained from keeping raptors, hope they help you~ Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions, I reply to all messages!