Owl vs. Parrot — What's the Difference?

Feeds on small mammals and insects, using keen senses.

Primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Nocturnal bird of prey with a flat face and large eyes.

Eats seeds, nuts, and fruit, using their beak for feeding.

Known for silent flight enabled by soft-edged feathers.

Forms large social groups, often with lifelong partners.

Solitary or in pairs, using existing structures for nests.

Brightly colored, social bird with a strong, curved beak.

Found in diverse habitats worldwide.

Known for their ability to mimic sounds and speech.

Owls are birds from the order Strigiformes , which includes over 200 species of mostly solitary and nocturnal birds of prey typified by an upright stance, a large, broad head, binocular vision, binaural hearing, sharp talons, and feathers adapted for silent flight. Exceptions include the diurnal northern hawk-owl and the gregarious burrowing owl.

Parrots, also known as psittacines , are birds of the roughly 398 species in 92 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes , found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three superfamilies: the Psittacoidea ("true" parrots), the Cacatuoidea (cockatoos), and the Strigopoidea (New Zealand parrots).

Any of various often nocturnal birds of prey of the order Strigiformes, having hooked and feathered talons, a large head with a short hooked beak, large eyes set forward, and fluffy plumage that allows for almost noiseless flight.

Any of numerous primarily tropical and subtropical birds of the order Psittaciformes, characterized by a short hooked bill, brightly colored plumage, and, in some species, the ability to mimic human speech or other sounds.

Any of several breeds of domestic pigeons having a very short beak somewhat like that of an owl and often a frill of feathers on the chest.

One who imitates the words or actions of another, especially without understanding them.

Any of various birds of prey of the order Strigiformes that are primarily nocturnal and have forward-looking, binocular vision, limited eye movement, and good hearing.

To repeat or imitate, especially without understanding.

(by extension) A person seen as having owl-like characteristics, especially appearing wise or serious, or being nocturnally active.

A kind of bird, many species of which are colorful and able to mimic human speech, of the order Psittaciformes or (narrowly) of the family Psittacidae.

An owl pigeon.

A parroter; a person who repeats the words or ideas of others.

A politician with moderate views that are neither hawkish nor dovish.

(archaic) A puffin.

Any of various nymphalid butterflies, especially in the genus Caligo, having large eyespots on the wings.

Channel coal.

To smuggle contraband goods.

A transponder.

Any species of raptorial birds of the family Strigidæ. They have large eyes and ears, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye. They are mostly nocturnal in their habits.

(transitive) To repeat (exactly what has just been said) without necessarily showing understanding, in the manner of a parrot.

A variety of the domestic pigeon.

In a general sense, any bird of the order Psittaci.

To pry about; to prowl.

Any species of Psittacus, Chrysotis, Pionus, and other genera of the family Psittacidæ, as distinguished from the parrakeets, macaws, and lories. They have a short rounded or even tail, and often a naked space on the cheeks. The gray parrot, or jako (Psittacus erithacus) of Africa (see Jako), and the species of Amazon, or green, parrots (Chrysotis) of America, are examples. Many species, as cage birds, readily learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases.

To carry wool or sheep out of England.

To repeat by rote, without understanding, as a parrot.

Hence, to carry on any contraband trade.

To chatter like a parrot.

Nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes

Usually brightly colored zygodactyl tropical birds with short hooked beaks and the ability to mimic sounds

A copycat who does not understand the words or acts being imitated

Repeat mindlessly;

Parrots can mimic human speech and sounds but don't understand the language.

Owls have specialized feathers that muffle sound, allowing them to approach prey quietly.

Parrots mainly eat seeds, nuts, fruits, and occasionally insects.

The lifespan of an owl can vary widely among species, some living more than 20 years in the wild.

Larger birds of prey and certain mammals can predate on owls.

Yes, owls are generally solitary but may pair up during breeding season.

Parrots use vocalizations and body language to communicate with each other.

Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees thanks to their flexible necks.

Owls can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, and urban areas.

The bright colors of parrots may play a role in communication and mate selection.

Many parrot species are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss and the pet trade.

Owls have large eyes to improve their night vision, crucial for hunting in darkness.

Yes, parrots are known for their excellent memory, especially for sounds.

Owls hunt by using their keen senses to detect prey at night and silently swooping down to catch it.

Parrots often live in large, complex social groups and can form monogamous relationships.