The Eurasian Eagle Owl also known as the European Eagle Owl or the Bubo bubo, belongs to the true owl family and the genus Bubo.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
The eurasian eagle owl facts
It is a nocturnal bird of prey found in northeastern Europe, as well as in the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl gets its name from the sounds it makes and was known as the “boohoo” in the Middle Ages.
Additionally, one of the main distinguishing features of males is that their feathers have a more pronounced ear-like shape.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is a highly territorial and solitary bird that relies on different systems to mark its territory, from vocalizations to leaving droppings on rocks.
The eurasian eagle-owl size depends on the amount of prey available in the area and the influx of individuals.
The call of the Eurasian Eagle Owl can be heard within a radius of 2 km and is said to resemble a howl.
It produces distinctive and individualized sounds that serve as a means of identification for other individuals or members of another species.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is known for its powerful flight, frequent perching, silent flapping, clear night vision, and acute hearing, making it an excellent, swift, and impressive hunter.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl specification
TheEurasian eagle-owl height: The Eurasian Eagle Owl has a length of approximately 56 to 75 cm.
The weight: weighs between 1.5 to 4.2 kg.
Wingspan: Its wingspan ranges from 1.60 to 1.88 meters, making it the largest nocturnal bird of prey.
Head: It has tufts of feathers on either side of its head, creating a V shape between its yellow eyes and marbled back, with light spots.
The belly: its belly is pale and soft.
The age : In the wild, Eurasian eagle owl lifespan up to 20 years, or up to 28 years in captivity.
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Habitat and Distribution of the Eurasian Eagle Owl
The Eurasian Eagle Owl lives in southern Europe, Central Asia, and North Africa, and it has a great ability to adapt to its surrounding environments.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl can inhabit semi-arid regions, fields, orchards, and sometimes nests near human settlements, finding its prey among agricultural farms without much difficulty.
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What is the Eurasian eagle-owl diet
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is a powerful predator bird that feeds on mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, mice, hedgehogs, and even foxes weighing less than 10 kg.
It also preys on other birds of prey that can be found on the ground or in-flight during hunting.
Reproduction of the Eurasian Eagle Owl
Breeding season is the only time when male and female Eurasian Eagle Owls interact, forming monogamous pairs.
Their nests are made in tree trunk hollows or on slopes.
The female lays approximately 2 to 6 eggs annually during winter or early spring.
The female incubates the eggs while the male goes out to hunt for food.
After 36 days, the eggs hatch.
The chicks are semi-developed at birth, meaning they are born with more advanced features compared to other bird species.
The mother is responsible for teaching them how to feed and protect them.
After 3 weeks, they can swallow food, start flying at 2 months old, develop full feathers at 4 months old, and become independent by the end of autumn.
FAQs about the Eurasian eagle owl
- How rare are Eurasian eagle owls?
The Eurasian eagle owl is not considered rare. With a range of about 51.4 million km² (19.8 million sq mi) across Europe and Asia and an estimated population of 100,000 to 500,000 individuals, the IUCN classifies it as Least Concern. However, its population trend is decreasing.
- Can you own a Eurasian eagle owl in the US?
In the United States, owning a Eurasian eagle owl is legal in states that do not specifically prohibit it. As one of the largest owls in the world, it is among the exotic owl species that can be kept as pets without requiring special permits.
- Can Eurasian Eagle Owl mate with other owls?
Also, his breeding with another owl species is next to impossible. While breeders have been able to crossbreed both Great Horned and Snowy Owls with Eurasian Eagle-Owls, there are no recorded cases where this has happened naturally. - What does the Eurasian eagle-owl symbolize?
The Eurasian eagle owl symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. It is also the emblem of the University of Bergen.
What is the nickname of the Eurasian eagle owl?
The Eurasian eagle owl is also known as the Great or Northern eagle owl. It was first scientifically described by Linnaeus in 1758 based on a Swedish specimen.
What are the predators of the Eurasian eagle owl?
While the Eurasian eagle owl is a top predator and mostly nocturnal, it can occasionally fall prey to opportunistic ground predators like foxes if it spends too much time on the ground.
Why do Eurasian eagle owls hoot?
Eurasian eagle owls hoot primarily to communicate with family members in the dark. They use a variety of vocalizations, including hoots, growls, chirps, clicks, and beak-clacks to stay in contact with one another.
Do Eurasian Eagle Owls mate for life?
Yes, they mate for life.
In conclusion, Eurasian Eagle Owl is important to note that while the Eurasian Eagle Owl is not significantly endangered, it faces threats from humans. In some areas, they are persecuted and often die from consuming prey poisoned with insecticides or rodenticides.
Furthermore, emphasizing their role in the ecosystem is crucial for maintaining environmental balance. If rodents do not eat your crops or mosquitoes do not bite you, it is partly thanks to the owl. Therefore, it is essential to care for them as they care for us.
References and Sources:
Wikipedia
