What is the bird that looks like an owl?

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The answer to What is the bird that looks like an owl? is often the Common Nighthawk, a nocturnal bird with owl-like markings but belonging to a different family altogether.

The Enigmatic Nighthawk: More Than Just an Owl Impersonator

Birds are masters of disguise, and the avian world boasts several species that bear a striking resemblance to owls. However, upon closer inspection, these “owl look-alikes” reveal their true identities. The most prevalent example is the Common Nighthawk, a fascinating bird showcasing convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar features due to similar environmental pressures or lifestyles. These birds possess specific traits that, at first glance, might mislead observers into thinking they are dealing with a smaller or unusual owl variant. Understanding these differences can help you accurately identify these fascinating creatures.

Defining Features: Separating Nighthawks from Owls

While the Common Nighthawk shares superficial similarities with owls, critical differences exist that allow for clear distinction:

Size and Shape: Nighthawks are considerably smaller and more slender than most owls. Their bodies are streamlined, and their wings are long and pointed, designed for agile aerial maneuvers. Owls, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier with rounder wings.
Facial Disc: A defining feature of owls is their prominent facial disc, a specialized structure of feathers that helps funnel sound to their ears for precise hunting. Nighthawks lack this facial disc.
Eyes: Owls possess large, forward-facing eyes, giving them excellent binocular vision for hunting in low-light conditions. Nighthawks have smaller, more laterally positioned eyes.
Bill and Feet: Owls have powerful, hooked beaks and sharp talons for capturing and tearing apart prey. Nighthawks have small, weak bills and tiny feet, adapted for catching insects in flight.
Habitat and Behavior: Owls are typically solitary hunters that perch and wait for prey. Nighthawks are highly aerial birds, spending most of their time on the wing, hawking for insects. Their distinct ‘peent’ call during dusk is another identifier.

Other Owl Impersonators: A Gallery of Avian Mimics

Beyond the Common Nighthawk, several other bird species exhibit owl-like features:

Frogmouths (Podargidae family): Native to Australia and Southeast Asia, Frogmouths possess broad heads, wide mouths, and cryptic plumage, resembling owls at first glance. They lack the facial disc and hunt insects at night from perches.
Owlet-nightjars (Aegothelidae family): Also found in Australia and New Guinea, Owlet-nightjars are small nocturnal birds with owl-like faces and forward-facing eyes. They also hunt insects.
Some raptors: Certain hawks and eagles may exhibit coloration or patterns that, under specific lighting conditions, might give the impression of an owl.

The Evolutionary Advantage of Resemblance

The question, What is the bird that looks like an owl and why?, brings us to consider evolutionary pressures. While not necessarily “mimicry” in the strict sense of deceiving predators, the owl-like appearance may provide some camouflage or deterrent effect. For instance, some believe that the patterns on nighthawks’ plumage break up their outline, making them harder to spot by predators during the day when they are roosting on branches or the ground.

Identification Tips: Become a Birding Detective

Accurately identifying what is the bird that looks like an owl requires careful observation and attention to detail:

Observe the bird’s size and shape. Compare it to known owl species in your area.
Look for a facial disc. If present, it’s likely an owl.
Note the bird’s behavior. Is it hunting from a perch or flying actively in the air?
Listen for vocalizations. Nighthawks have a distinctive ‘peent’ call, while owls hoot or screech.
Consult a field guide. Field guides provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of various bird species, aiding in accurate identification.

Feature	Owl	Common Nighthawk
—————–	——————————	—————————–
Size	Larger	Smaller
Facial Disc	Present	Absent
Eyes	Large, Forward-facing	Smaller, Lateral
Bill	Hooked, Strong	Small, Weak
Feet	Strong Talons	Small
Hunting Style	Perch and wait	Aerial
Common Activity	Nocturnal or Crepuscular	Nocturnal or Crepuscular
Diet	Mammals, Birds, Insects	Insects Only

Frequently Asked Questions About Birds That Resemble Owls

Is the “owl look” a deliberate evolutionary adaptation for protection?

It is unlikely the resemblance is a deliberate strategy for mimicking owls. Instead, it likely evolved from convergent evolution and camouflage pressures. Owl-like plumage could provide camouflage during daylight rest, while the wide mouth of the nighthawk is perfect for catching insects on the wing.

Are “owl look-alikes” related to owls?

Generally, no. As mentioned, the Common Nighthawk is not closely related to owls. They are in different families. Similarly, Frogmouths and Owlet-nightjars belong to distinct families unrelated to the Strigiformes (owl) order.

Do these birds have the same hunting abilities as owls?

No. While some “owl look-alikes” are also nocturnal predators, their hunting strategies and capabilities differ significantly. Nighthawks are aerial insectivores, while owls are primarily raptors, capable of taking down much larger prey. Their anatomical differences reflect these varying hunting styles.

Are owl look-alikes found worldwide?

No. While owls themselves are distributed across the globe, the “owl look-alikes” have more restricted ranges. Common Nighthawks are native to North and South America, while Frogmouths and Owlet-nightjars are found in Australia and Southeast Asia.

Can I attract owl look-alikes to my yard?

Attracting nighthawks is challenging, as they require open areas and abundant insect populations. Reducing pesticide use and providing suitable nesting habitat (flat, gravelly areas) can help. Attracting frogmouths and owlet-nightjars to your yard is dependent on your location and providing appropriate habitat.

What is the conservation status of these owl look-alikes?

The conservation status varies depending on the species and location. Some nighthawk populations have declined due to habitat loss and pesticide use, whereas others are stable. Always check with local conservation organizations to learn about the status of your specific species.

How do I differentiate a young owl from an owl look-alike?

Young owls typically have a more downy appearance and less refined features than adults. Even young owls will have large forward facing eyes, and a visible facial disc. Observing behavior and listening for vocalizations will also help differentiate.

Why is it important to accurately identify bird species?

Accurate bird identification is crucial for conservation efforts, ecological research, and citizen science projects. It allows us to track population trends, understand habitat needs, and monitor the impact of environmental changes.

What resources are available for learning more about bird identification?

Numerous resources are available, including:

Field guides (e.g., Sibley Guide to Birds, Peterson Field Guides).
Online bird identification websites (e.g., All About Birds, Merlin Bird ID).
Birding apps (e.g., iBird Pro, eBird).
Local birding clubs and organizations.

Do owl look-alikes typically nest in the same types of locations as owls?

No. Common Nighthawks are unusual ground-nesters laying their eggs directly on bare ground or gravel. Owls, however, typically nest in tree cavities, abandoned nests of other birds, or on cliffs.

What time of day are owl look-alikes most active?

The Common Nighthawk is primarily active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), hunting insects on the wing. However, they may also be active on moonlit nights. Owls are primarily nocturnal but some species are active during the day.

Is What is the bird that looks like an owl? a common sighting mistake?

Yes, particularly with the Common Nighthawk. Their appearance, combined with their crepuscular habits, often leads to misidentification, especially among casual observers unfamiliar with local bird species. Therefore, careful observation and accurate species identification are vital for any nature enthusiast.