Scientific Name:
Bubo bubo
Distribution
Europe, Siberia to central Asia, W China and Korea
Diet:
Carnivore. Small mammals (e.g., rabbits, rats), birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and insects.
Facts
Habitat: rocky areas, grasslands, taiga, steppe, open forests, farmland with suitable rocky areas
Incubation: 1-4 eggs, 34-36 days
Social structure: Usually solitary but also in pairs during the breeding season
Weight: Male: up to 2,8kg, Female: up to 4,2kg
Dimensions: height: up to 75cm, wingspan: up to 1,88m
Lifespan: 20 years in the wild, 60 years in human care
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Estimated population in the wild: 250.000-2.500.000, population decreasing
Threats: Poisoned prey, human persecution, power lines, pollution
Did you know that:
- It is the largest owl species in the world.
- Eurasian owl’s feathers have evolved in such a way that they provide silent flights to surprise their prey
- They (like other owls) cough up what is known as an owl pellet after their stomach goes through the digestive process. These owl pellets contain the hair, feathers, and bones of prey they were unable to digest.
- They have what is known as a nictitating membrane, an eyelid that provides extra protection while they are feeding and maintains the eye moisture when visibility is still required.
- They can turn their heads 270 degrees enabling them 360 degree vision. They have telescopic vision.
