Learn About Eurasian Eagle Owls
The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) is a species of horned owl resident in much of Europe and Asia.
The Eagle Owl is a large and powerful bird. It has a wingspan of up to 138-200 cm and measures 58-75 cm long. Females weigh 1.75-4.2 kg (3.9-9.4 lbs) and males weigh 1.5-3.2 kg (3.3-7 lbs).
It mainly feeds on small mammals, but can kill preys up to the size of foxes and young deer (up to 10 kg/22 lb), if taken by surprise. Larger prey is consumed on the ground which leaves the bird vulnerable (for example to foxes).
The call of the Eagle Owl is a deep resonant “ooh-hu”.
The size, ear tufts and orange eyes make this a distinctive species. It has a strong direct flight. Besides the size, where females are larger than males, a difference between the male and female is that male’s ear tufts are more upright than the female’s.
The Eagle Owl is largely nocturnal and is found in mountains and forests with cliffs and rocky areas, usually nesting on cliff ledges.
They live for around 20 years although like many other bird species in captivity they can live much longer, perhaps up to 60 years.
Scientific Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Strigiformes
- Family: Strigidae
- Genus: Bubo
- Species: B. bubo
References: *BirdLife International (2004). Bubo bubo. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern *”At least five eagle owls live in Helsinki”, Helsingin Sanomat – International Edition *”Bubi the eagle owl has not returned to the Olympic Stadium”, Helsingin Sanomat – International Edition *(Finnish) Palkittu Bubi käväisi yllättäen palkitsemistilaisuudessa – HS.fi – Kaupunki *”Giant Owl returns after Centuries”, BBC News
