Did you know that owls come in a wide range of sizes? From the tiny elf owl to the gigantic Eurasian eagle owl, the size of these majestic birds can range from just a few inches to more than two feet tall! In this article, we’ll provide a detailed look at the size of owls and the surprising facts behind the differences in their sizes.
Read on to discover the fascinating world of owl sizes!
Table of Contents
What Size Are Owls?
Owls come in many sizes and shapes, with a wide range of sizes depending on their species.
Generally, they measure anywhere from 6 inches in length (like the Elf Owl) to 32 inches (like the Eurasian Eagle-Owl).
In terms of wingspan, they range from 10 inches (Elf Owl) to 5 feet (Eurasian Eagle-Owl).
In terms of weight, owls typically weigh between 3 and 6.
5 pounds, with some of the smaller species weighing up to 1 pound.
The heaviest owl, the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, can weigh up to 10 pounds.
All in all, owls can vary greatly in size, from small to medium-sized birds with wingspans ranging from just over a foot to almost 6 feet.
How Big Are Owls In Feet?
Owls come in a variety of sizes, from the tiny elf owl which can measure as small as 5 inches and weigh less than an ounce, to the massive Eurasian eagle owl which can grow up to 2.
6 ft tall and weigh up to 8.
8 lb.
Generally, the larger owls have wider wingspans, ranging from 2.
5 to 5 ft.
It is hard to provide an exact answer to the question of how big owls are in feet, as it largely depends on the species.
However, most owls can be considered to be medium-sized birds, with a length of 12-24 inches and wingspan of 2-5 ft.
This would make the average owl around 2-3 ft in length and 3-5 ft in wingspan.
For comparison, the average adult human is around 5-6 ft in height.
This means that the average owl is roughly one-third to one-half the size of an adult human.
To sum up, while exact size of owls in feet may differ according to species, most owls are considered to be medium-sized birds, with a length of 2-3 ft and a wingspan of 3-5 ft.
What Kind Of Owl Is 6 Inches Tall?
No single species of owl is a uniform 6 inches tall, as owl sizes vary greatly.
The smallest owl in the world is the Elf Owl, which stands only 5 inches tall, while the largest owl species is the Eurasian Eagle Owl, which can measure up to 30 inches.
If we’re looking for an owl that’s close to 6 inches tall, the Northern Pygmy Owl is the most likely species.
These owls usually stand between 5 and 7 inches tall, with females being slightly larger than males.
They can be found in coniferous forests and are one of the smallest species of owl in North America.
Northern Pygmy Owls have a round head with no ear-tufts and bright yellow eyes.
They have a white eyebrow line and a white throat bib.
The upper parts of their body are greyish-brown, while the lower parts are white with brown streaks.
These owls are active during the day and have a loud, low-pitched hoot that can be heard from up to half a mile away.
They mainly feed on small birds and rodents, and can sometimes be spotted perched on branches waiting for prey.
To answer the question of what kind of owl is 6 inches tall, the likely species is the Northern Pygmy Owl.
What Owl Has The Highest Size?
The Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) is widely recognized as the largest species of owl, with an average length of 66 cm (26 in) and a wingspan of up to 152 cm (60 in).
Found throughout Europe and Asia, this majestic bird of prey has a wingspan of up to 2 meters (6.
5 feet) and can reach a weight of 4.
2 kg (9.
2 lbs), making it the largest species of owl in the world.
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is another large species, with an average length of 56-63 cm (22-25 in) and a wingspan of up to 160 cm (63 in).
It is the most widely distributed species of owl, found in North and South America.
The Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) is also a large species, with an average length of 50-71 cm (20-28 in) and a wingspan of up to 150 cm (59 in).
This species is found in the Arctic tundra and is the heaviest owl species in the world, reaching a weight of up to 4.
5 kg (9.
9 lbs).
To sum up, the Eagle Owl is the largest species of owl in the world, boasting an impressive wingspan of up to 2 meters (6.
5 feet) and a weight of up to 4.
2 kg (9.
2 lbs).
The Great Horned Owl and Snowy Owl are also large species, with wingspans of up to 160 cm (63 in) and 150 cm (59 in) respectively.
What Are The Different Sizes Of Owls?
Owls come in a wide range of sizes, from the tiny Elf Owl to the huge Great Grey Owl.
Their body length can range from around 4 inches (10 cm) to over 3 feet (90 cm).
The wingspan also varies significantly, with some species having a wingspan as small as 16 inches (41 cm) and others having a wingspan of up to 6 feet (2 m).
The weight of owls can also differ greatly.
The smallest species, such as the Elf Owl, weigh only around 1.
5 ounces (42 g), while the largest species, such as the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the Snowy Owl, can weigh up to 4.
5 pounds (2 kg).
In general, owls can be divided into two major size categories: small and large. The smallest owl species, such as the Barn Owl, the Grass Owl and the Masked Owl, are usually members of the Tytonidae family. Their body length is usually 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and their wingspan is 16-24 inches (41-61 cm).
The large owl species, such as the Great Grey Owl, the Snowy Owl, the Northern Hawk Owl and the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, are usually members of the Strigidae family.
Their body length is usually 24-36 inches (61-91 cm) and their wingspan is usually 40-60 inches (1-1.
5 m).
No matter their size, owls are captivating creatures, and it is no surprise why their image has been used in literature, art, movies, and more.
How Big Is A Full Grown Owl?
Owls come in a wide range of sizes, from the tiny 5-inch elf owl and pygmy owl, weighing just 2 ounces, to the large Eurasian eagle-owl and Blakiston’s fish owl, which can measure up to 32 inches in length and weigh up to 7.
5 pounds.
Most owls, however, are between 10 and 20 inches long and weigh 1 to 3 pounds.
Owls also have a much higher wingspan-to-weight ratio than other birds of prey, with the smallest owls having a wingspan of less than 2 feet, and the largest having a wingspan of up to 6 feet.
Owl species reach adulthood at different times, with some maturing in as little as six months, while others take up to two years to reach their full size.
What Is The Largest Owl In The United States?
The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), the largest owl species found in the United States, has a wingspan of up to five feet and is distinguished by its distinctive horns or tufts of feathers.
It is also found throughout North and Central America, from the Arctic south to Tierra del Fuego, and is one of the most adaptable species of owls, capable of inhabiting a variety of habitats.
Its aggressive and powerful nature enables it to hunt and kill prey much larger than itself, such as skunks, porcupines, and even badgers.
Its diet includes small mammals, other birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates and it is an opportunistic hunter, taking advantage of whatever food sources are available.
The deep, hooting call of the male Great Horned Owl can be heard from up to a mile away.
They usually mate for life and form strong pair bonds, fiercely defending their breeding territories from any intruder.
Therefore, this impressive bird of prey is an incredible presence in any environment, due to its size, powerful hunting abilities, and unique call.
Can An Owl Be 3 Ft Tall?
No, an owl cannot be 3 feet tall.
Owls are birds, and their size is limited by their skeletal structure and the laws of physics.
Depending on the species, owl size can range from 4 to 6 inches in length and 8 to 11 inches in wingspan for the smallest Elf Owl to 28 inches in length and 72 inches in wingspan for the largest Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
The average owl measures between 10 and 24 inches in length and has a wingspan of 24 to 54 inches.
Owls are specifically adapted to their environment, and the size of a 3 foot tall owl would be too large and too heavy to fly.
It would also be too big for its prey, making it impossible for them to survive.
Therefore, it is not possible for an owl to be 3 feet tall.
Can Owls Be 2 Feet Tall?
No, owls cannot be two feet tall.
Owls range in size from the diminutive Elf Owl, which is a mere 5 inches tall, to the imposing Great Gray Owl, which can reach up to 33 inches.
They have long legs and broad wingspans, making them appear larger than they are.
Moreover, many species of owls have a large head, with a facial disc that can be as much as three times the size of its skull.
This feature helps them to focus sound into their ears, enabling them to locate their prey in the dark.
Owls have evolved to be the perfect predators for their environment, and many of their physical features are required for their continued survival.
For instance, their wings are designed for silent flight, allowing them to creep up on their prey without being detected.
Therefore, from an evolutionary perspective, it would make little sense for an owl to be two feet tall.
A large owl would have difficulty maneuvering through dense forests and would be more visible to predators.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to imagine an owl that is two feet tall, the truth is that the largest species of owl only grow up to 33 inches tall.
Furthermore, their unique physical features are essential for their survival in their environment, making a two-foot tall owl practically impossible.
What Owl Is 10 Inches Tall?
The Northern Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium gnoma, is a captivating creature, standing at an average of 10 inches tall.
These small owls are brown and white in color, with a white facial disc, dark brown eyes, and white patches on the back of their wings.
They have a wingspan of 18-20 inches and a short, rounded tail.
Northern Pygmy Owls are primarily solitary birds and can be found in coniferous and mixed forests, as well as mountain meadows.
They feed on small mammals, birds, and insects.
You may spot one of these small owls perched atop a tree near you, or hear its whistled song in the early mornings.
When threatened, they will often fly away, but can be heard scolding aggressively.
These owls are also quite clever, and have been known to use decoys to lure in prey.
If you’re looking for a bird to add to your backyard birding list, the Northern Pygmy Owl is a great choice.
With its fascinating behavior and stunning features, this species is a delight to observe.
What Owl Is 8 Inches Tall?
Northern Saw-whet Owls are the smallest of all North American Owl species, measuring only 7-9 inches in length and weighing just 2.
5 ounces.
These small yet mighty owls have a distinctive reddish-brown, white, and black mottled pattern on their upper body, with off-white or buff colored feathers on their underbody and tail.
You can find them in coniferous and mixed forest habitats throughout North America, particularly in Canada and the northern United States.
Northern Saw-whet Owls are nocturnal predators, using their exceptional hearing to locate their prey in the dark, swooping down on unsuspecting victims with wings closed and feet outstretched.
They feed on a variety of small animals such as mice, voles, and shrews.
During the breeding season, males serenade potential mates with a distinctive whistling sound, and the species is also known for its toot vocalization, which can be heard throughout the year.
Spotting an 8 inch tall Northern Saw-whet Owl is an incredible experience! If you ever have the chance, consider yourself lucky!
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped you learn more about the fascinating size range of owls! From the tiniest elf owl to the largest Eurasian eagle owl, these birds come in an array of sizes that can surprise and delight.
Now that youve learned more about owl sizes, why not explore more about these incredible creatures? Research their habitats, behaviors, diets, and more to gain a better understanding of these amazing birds.