Bubo bubo
North Africa, Europe and Asia
Least Concern
Large Owl, Large Range
The Eurasian eagle-owl is the largest in the owl family. It weighs approximately 6 pounds (2,800 grams) and has a 5 – to 6.6-foot (1.5- to 2-meter) wingspan. The owl has a varied habitat range that includes mountain ranges, grasslands, riverbeds and forests that stretches across more than 80% of Europe and Asia.
Fierce Defenders
This large owl is solitary outside of the breeding and brooding season and defends its territory aggressively against other owls. It only overlaps territories if resources are limited.
Silent Stalk
Owl wings are virtually silent while in flight. This allows them to hear their prey using their enhanced facial disc which channels sound to their ears. Another benefit to their silent flight is that they are able to silently stalk their prey and swoop down on rodents, small birds, mammals and reptiles to capture them unaware. With night vision and exceptional hearing, the eagle owl is a top predator of its nocturnal niche.
To learn more, download the Eurasian Eagle Owl fact sheet.