What is the difference between the Eurasian Eagle-Owl and the Great Horned Owl?

What is the difference between the Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) and the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)?

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl has orange eyes, whereas the Great Horned Owl has yellow eyes. 

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl has vertical underside barring on its feathers, whereas the Great Horned Owl has horizontal underside barring. 

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (left) and Northern Great Horned Owl (right)

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl has a light grey-black bracket around its facial disc, whereas the Great Horned Owl has a strong black bracket around its facial disc. 

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is larger than the Great Horned Owl. The Eurasian Eagle-Owl measures about 75 centimetres (30 inches) tall, with a wingspan of 180 centimetres (71 inches). The Great Horned Owl measures about 65 centimetres (26 inches) tall, with a wingspan of 150 centimetres (59 inches). 

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (left) and Northern Great Horned Owl (right)
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Northern Great Horned Owl

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

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