- Life expectancy
- Global status
- Activity
Identification
A large, powerful owl with orange eyes and long ear tufts. The dark-edged facial disc and coarsely patterned plumage camouflage it at its daytime roost. In flight the broad, rounded wings are striking.
Colours
Adult
Orange eyes, ear tufts and densely patterned brown-and-buff plumage. The sexes are similarly coloured, but females are clearly larger.
Behaviour
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl usually becomes active at dusk and at night. By day it rests hidden on rocks or in trees. Its deep, two-syllable call often reveals its territory before it is seen.
Breeding & rearing
Rock ledges and quarries are typical nest sites. Where cliffs are lacking, old raptor nests or hollows on the ground are also used. An undisturbed nest site is important; the young may explore the area around the nest before they can fly well.
