STATUSLeast Concern
COMMON NAME (SCIENTIFIC NAME)Bubo bubo
DIETmostly consists of small rodents, but can include birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
RANGEEurasian eagle owls are found throughout much of Europe and Asia and in parts of northern Africa.
HABITATThey live in a variety of wooded habitats. While these owls prefer rocky landscapes, they also live in open habitats that have some trees and rocky areas like taiga, farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, and grasslands.
Physical Description:
The Eurasian eagle owls are one of the largest most powerful owls in the world. They have distinct ear tufts, orange eyes, and mottled brown and white plumage. They can weigh between 3-9 lbs, are about 2-2.5 feet tall, and have a wingspan up to 6 feet in length.
Predators:
They are considered apex predators and therefore do not have natural predators, however, golden eagles can occasionally prey on them.
Lifespan:
Eurasian eagle owls in the wild can live about 10-20 years of age. Under human care can live up to 60 years of age.
Reproduction:
Eurasian eagle owls are solitary but will form monogamous pairs during mating season. These owls are quite territorial but become even more so during mating season. Eagle owls pair in the fall and breeding occurs shortly afterward. Males call frequently and build a nest in a shallow depression to attract females. Nests are usually located on cliffs, in cave openings or on the ground. Up to 4 white eggs are laid, with a three-day interval between each. Females incubate eggs for 34-36 days while males bring food to the nest. Owlets are white and fluffy after hatching but develop quickly, feeding themselves at the nest after only three weeks. Young are able to fly by seven weeks and owlets are independent at 20-24 weeks. They mature at 2-3 years of age.
Fun Facts:
Eurasian eagle owls are among the largest owl species.
They can rotate their heads 270 degrees due to the 14 vertebrae in their neck.
They have special comb like edges on their flight feathers making them silent hunters.
Their talons have a grip strength of 700-1000 lbs per square inch.
Their loud hoots can carry up to 2 miles away.
Conservation Messaging:
Together with Nature
Although the Eurasian eagle owl is not a native bird, it shares many of the same threats as its North American relatives. Often times birds of prey fall victim to debris found on the side of the road. If it’s an apple core, banana peel, or some discarded trash it will attract their prey items which will then attract the bird of prey. Birds of prey have tunnel vision when hunting and will often not see a car coming and can unfortunately end up getting hit. Eurasian eagle owls have also been seen as pests in the past. Humans hunted and poisoned them causing populations to decline. Happily, local governments have begun to increase their protection of these owls, and some reintroduction programs have taken place. One simple way we can help all birds of prey is to dispose of all our trash properly, even natural items like apple cores and banana peels.
