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Eurasian Eagle Owl
Bubo bubo
The Eurasian eagle owl is among the world’s largest species of owl, ranging from 23 to 28 inches in body length with a wingspan of 5 to 6.6 feet. It is also known for its large orange eyes and prominent ear tufts.
Range & Habitat
As their name suggests, Eurasian Eagle-owls are native to Europe and Asia as well as parts of northern Africa, where they live in a variety of wooded habitats. They are more commonly found in areas with rocky outcrops and cliffs, but they also live in open habitats with some trees as well as farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, and grasslands.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Although its numbers are declining, this species does not yet qualify for the higher status of vulnerable, partly due to its vast geographic range.
Diet
In the wild: Small mammals such as voles, rats, and rabbits, but may also hunt woodpeckers and other birds and amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.
At the zoo: Chicken, rats, mice and quail.
Life Span
In the wild: around 20 years.
In human care: up to 60 years.
In human care: up to 60 years.
Fun Facts about the Eurasian Eagle Owl
● Every member of a Eurasian eagle owl population can be reliably identified by voice alone.
● This owl’s conspicuous ear tufts are reminiscent of North America's Great Horned Owl, but the Eagle owl's striking orange eyes and larger size distinguish it from other owls.
● Our Eurasian eagle owl at the zoo, Eagon, is among our raptors who train in the ancient sport of falconry.
Sources
National Aviary, Eurasian Eagle Owl. https://www.aviary.org/animals/eurasian-eagle-owl
The Peregrine Fund, Eurasian Eagle Owl. https://www.peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/Eurasian_Eagle-owl
Raptor Taxon Advisory Group (TAG).
https://www.raptortag.com/eurasian-eagle-owl-ssp.html
Denver Zoo website.
https://denverzoo.org/animals/eurasian-eagle-owl/
Updated June 13, 2023
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