Eurasian Eagle Owl in flight

This is an image of a Eurasian Eagle Owl in flight. The Eurasian eagle owl looks very similar to a great horned owl, however, one of the most... more

by Flees Photos

Title

Eurasian Eagle Owl in flight

Artist

Flees Photos

Medium

Photograph - Photograph Giclee And Home Decor

Description

This is an image of a Eurasian Eagle Owl in flight. The Eurasian eagle owl looks very similar to a great horned owl, however, one of the most striking differences between the two is an eagle owl has orangish eyes where a horned owl have pale yellow eyes.

facts about Eurasian Eagle Owls (Bubo bubo):

Size: Eurasian Eagle Owls are one of the largest owl species in the world. They have a wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a length of around 26 to 30 inches (66 to 75 centimeters). Females are generally larger than males, weighing around 6 to 8 pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kilograms), while males weigh around 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kilograms).

Distribution: Eurasian Eagle Owls are widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of northern Africa. They can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, forests, mountains, rocky areas, and cliffs. They are adaptable birds and can even be found in some urban environments.

Appearance: Eurasian Eagle Owls have a distinctive appearance with large, piercing orange or yellow eyes. They have prominent feather tufts on their heads, which resemble ears but are not actually ears. Their plumage is typically mottled brown, gray, and white, providing effective camouflage in their woodland habitats.

Diet and Hunting: Eurasian Eagle Owls are apex predators and have a diverse diet. They primarily feed on small to medium-sized mammals, such as rabbits, hares, rodents, and occasionally small deer or foxes. They also prey on birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects. They are skilled hunters that use their powerful talons to catch and kill their prey.

Vocalizations: Eurasian Eagle Owls are known for their deep, resonant hooting calls. Their vocalizations are often described as a series of deep "hu-hu-hu" sounds that can carry over long distances. These calls are used for territory defense and communication between mates.

Breeding Behavior: Eurasian Eagle Owls are typically monogamous and mate for life. They build large nests in elevated locations, such as cliff ledges, rock crevices, or old tree nests. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs, and both parents participate in incubation and raising the young. The chicks stay with their parents for several months before becoming independent.

Conservation Status: Eurasian Eagle Owls are not considered globally threatened. However, they may face localized threats, such as habitat loss, disturbance, and persecution. They are protected in many countries, and conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and reducing human-induced disturbances.

Behavior: Eurasian Eagle Owls are primarily nocturnal and have excellent low-light vision. They are solitary birds and usually maintain large territories. They are skilled flyers and have adapted to silent flight, allowing them to approach their prey without being detected. They may also display aggressive behavior if their nesting site or territory is threatened.

Eurasian Eagle Owls are impressive birds of prey known for their large size, powerful hunting abilities, and distinct appearance. They play a vital role in their ecosystems as top predators, helping to control small mammal populations. Protecting their habitats and reducing human disturbances are essential for their long-term conservation.

This image is © Chris Flees all rights reserved

Uploaded

April 23rd, 2017