Birds · Strigiformes · Strigidae

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Bubo bubo

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

It is one of the largest and most powerful owls in the world, able to take prey as large as young foxes or other birds of prey.

Weight

1.5 kg – 4.2 kg

Size

59 cm – 75 cm

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Nocturnal

Active mainly at night.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Fun facts

It is one of the largest and most powerful owls in the world.
The striking 'tufts' on its head are not ears but decorative feathers.
Its real ears are hidden and set asymmetrically, which lets it pinpoint sounds precisely.
alimentaciónIt is one of the largest nocturnal raptors in Europe and can take prey almost as heavy as itself, including other birds of prey.
alimentaciónIt can detect and catch smaller nocturnal raptors, including barn owls and lesser owls, making it one of the few natural predators of other birds of prey.

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Forests, rocky cliffs, steppe and grassland across much of Eurasia
Birth weight: Born altricial and covered in down
Size at birth: Born altricial
Gestation / incubation: 31-36 days
Litter / clutch size: 1 to 4 eggs per clutch (most commonly 2-3)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of more than 60 years