Eurasian Eagle-owl

Large owl, weighting 1.2 to 4 kg and about 70 cm long. Obvious ear tufts, orange eyes, and pale streaked underparts. It has a facial disk that helps it hear better. Listen to the it’s call by clicking the button above. 

They live in a variety of wooded habitats. More commonly found in areas with rocky outcrops and cliffs, but also in open habitats that have some trees and rocky areas like farmlands, steppes, semi-arid areas, and grasslands. 

Active mainly at night, it hunts small mammals like voles, rats, and rabbits, but also takes birds such as woodpeckers, herons, and even other raptors. Its diet also includes amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.

Eurasian Eagle-owls may be found nesting on ledges, in cave entrances, and within rock crevices on cliffs. They also sometimes use the abandoned nests of other large birds, such as ravens or eagles. The same site is often used for several years or in rotation with other favoured sites. 

Non migrant species. 

Eurasian Eagle-owls are widely distributed across Europe, from Spain to Russia, and extend through much of Asia to China and the Middle East. They are also found in parts of North Africa, mainly in suitable rocky and forested habitats. 

IUCN status is Least Concern. In the past, the main threats were hunting and poisoning, while today the biggest risks include disturbance of nesting sites from human activities such as mountaineering, as well as electrocution and collisions with vehicles. 

In Slovenia, Romania, Italy, and Finland the eagle owl is linked to wisdom, prophecy, and death omens. It appears in folklore, myths, and stories as a guide, protector, or feared night bird connected to the spirit world and mystery. Read more details from the booklet.