How large can owls become?

Owls exhibit a significant range in size, generally measuring between 13 and 70 cm (5 to 28 inches) in length, with wingspans reaching 0.3 to 2.0 metres (1 to 6.6 feet).1

While most species fall toward the smaller end of this spectrum, some are notably larger:

• Great gray owl (Strix nebulosa): Often exceeding 70 cm (2.3 feet) in length, this species is among the largest owls, though much of its apparent size is attributed to its plumage.2
• Blakiston’s fish owl (Bubo blakistoni): This species can reach lengths of 60 to 71 cm (23.6 to 27.9 inches).3

It is important to note that while owls are often compared to other birds of prey such as hawks or eagles, their size characteristics are distinct. For instance, some eagle species can attain wingspans exceeding 2.40 meters (7.87 feet), which is larger than the maximum wingspan typically recorded for owls.14