Mothman vs Owlman: what's the difference?
Both are tall, winged, red-eyed figures from the 1960s and 70s, and both are tied to one small place. Mothman haunted Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Owlman was seen around a churchyard in Cornwall, England, ten years later.
Side by side
MothmanOwlman
Also calledThe Bird, Red-eyed winged manOwlman of Mawnan
WherePoint Pleasant, West VirginiaMawnan, Cornwall, England
First reportedNovember 15, 1966April 1976
Size6 to 7 ft tall, 10 ft wingspanHuman-sized
HabitatThe TNT area wetlands and the Ohio River valleyWoodland around Mawnan church
SignsLarge red eyes that glow in headlights; Wingspan of 10 ft or more; Flies without flapping, at high speedPointed ears, red or glowing eyes; Grey feathers, black pincer-like claws
Famous cases52
Witness stories00
The big differences
- Where and when: Mothman was first reported on November 15, 1966, near Point Pleasant. Owlman was first reported in April 1976 at Mawnan, Cornwall.
- Look: Mothman is described as a man-sized figure with a 10-foot wingspan and huge glowing red eyes. Owlman has pointed ears, grey feathers and black, pincer-like claws.
- Behaviour: Mothman was said to chase cars at high speed without flapping. Owlman was mostly seen hovering or standing in the trees by the church.
- Legacy: Mothman became linked to the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and now has a festival and statue. Owlman stayed a local mystery.
Could they be the same thing?
They're separate stories, but some writers group them as 'winged humanoids'. Sceptics suggest a large owl for both: a barred owl or snowy owl caught in headlights can look startlingly big, with eyes that reflect red.
Which one did you see?
Probably Mothman if…
- West Virginia or the Ohio River valley
- Huge wingspan, flew alongside a car
- Red eyes glowing in headlights
Probably Owlman if…
- Cornwall, England
- Owl-like face with pointed ears
- Grey feathers and black claws
Seen something like this? Report your encounter All about Mothman All about Owlman