Eurasian Eagle-Owl

The Eurasian eagle-owl is one of the largest owl species in the world, found across a broad range spanning Europe, North Africa and much of Asia, in habitats from forests and cliffs to open steppe. It has mottled brown plumage, large orange eyes and prominent ear tufts, and its powerful build allows it to take an unusually wide range of prey for an owl, including mammals as large as young deer or foxes, along with birds, reptiles and amphibians. Eurasian eagle-owls are mainly nocturnal and typically nest on cliff ledges, in old raptor nests or on the ground in sheltered spots, and pairs often occupy the same territory for many years. Its deep, resonant hooting call carries over long distances and is used to establish territory and attract mates. Once reduced across parts of Europe by persecution, habitat loss and collisions with power lines, the species has recovered in many regions through legal protection and reintroduction efforts, and it is now considered of least concern across its extensive range.