Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Bubo bubo

Wingspan

160–190cm

Body length

60–75cm

Weight

1,500–2,800g

Profile

Life expectancy
Clutch size: 1–4 eggs
Global status
Activity
Migration
Falconry

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

Plumage

Eyes

Legs & feet

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.

Diet

Prey examples

Rats

Rabbits

Hares

Songbirds

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl takes mainly mammals, from mice to rabbits and hares, as well as birds. Occasionally other small vertebrates are added.

Hunting

At dusk and at night it searches for prey from a perch or in low flight. When it spots an animal, it approaches with silent wingbeats and seizes it with its powerful talons.

Distribution

Range

Europe & Asia

Status in Germany

Breeding birdWinter visitor

Habitat

Cliffs, quarries and forests near varied open country.

Rock faces and ledges above open scrubland — Rocky landscapes

Old mixed broadleaf forest with clearings and forest edges — Forests