Hibou vs. chouette

In the French language, the words 'hibou' and 'chouette' both refer to birds of the order Strigiformes, commonly known as owls in English. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different types of owls and have subtle differences that are important for bird lovers and French language learners alike.

Hibou

The word 'hibou' specifically refers to owls that have ear tufts, which are feathered extensions on the head resembling ears.
Le hibou grand-duc est le plus grand des hiboux européens.
(The Eurasian eagle-owl is the largest of the European owls.)
Le hibou chasse principalement la nuit.
(The owl hunts mainly at night.)
Les hiboux sont connus pour leurs yeux perçants.
(Owls are known for their piercing eyes.)

Chouette

'Chouette', on the other hand, refers to owls without ear tufts. They often have a rounder head and a more varied diet than 'hiboux'.
La chouette effraie est reconnaissable à son visage en forme de coeur.
(The barn owl is recognizable by its heart-shaped face.)
Il est plus courant d'entendre la chouette hululer que le hibou.
(It is more common to hear the owl hoot than the eagle-owl.)
Les chouettes ne sont pas aussi nocturnes que les hiboux et certaines chassent pendant la journée.
(Owls are not as nocturnal as eagle-owls and some hunt during the day.)

Summary

In summary, while both 'hibou' and 'chouette' refer to birds known as owls in English, 'hibou' defines an owl with ear tufts and a typically nocturnal nature, whereas 'chouette' denotes an owl without ear tufts that may have more variable hunting habits. Both words refer to distinct types of these intriguing birds of prey and are used according to these characteristics in French.