Eurasian Eagle Owl

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*This page is under renovation and all information may not be up-to-date or complete*

Description

Eurasian eagle owls are one of the largest species of owl in the world, with a wingspan of 6 feet. They look very similar to Great Horned owls with their ear tuffs, but they have a larger body, distinctive orange eyes, and powerful toes covered with buffy-white feathers.

Range & Habitat

These birds can be found in coniferous forests, grasslands, mountainous regions, and deserts in Europe, the Middle East, Russia, China, and Japan.

Behavior

Eagle owls tend to nest on cliffs and ledges in their native regions. Female owls will lay between one and five eggs at a time. The young owls cannot fly until about seven weeks old and remain dependent on the adults for another 3-4 months.

Eurasian eagle owls have distinct vocalizations that differ from every other member of the population. It’s described as a deep, booming ‘oo-hu’.

Diet

They are carnivores, eating mice, rabbits, and voles. However, they will occasionally eat small deer, other birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

These birds are one of the many birds of prey, meaning they are a predator with sharp talons for catching food and curved beak.

Conservation

This bird is a least concern for extinction.

Fun Facts

• Eurasian eagle owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees either way in order to detect predators and prey.

Virginia Zoo Animals

Animal Ambassador: Carson (male – born: 1/22/2017)