Eagle Owl

Bubo bubo

The largest species of owl in the world, the European eagle owl lives all over mainland Europe and is particularly concentrated in Scandinavia. Formerly found in Britain, it has been absent here since the eighteenth century.

Like all woodland owls it has prominent tufts on its head. These are not ears, which like all owls are hidden openings in the downy feathers on the front of the face. Instead, the tufts possibly have a role in display and attracting a mate.

They can live up to 40 years in the wild, even longer in captivity. Eagle owls are nocturnal and have excellent night vision and hearing to hunt in woodland areas at night. Their diet is entirely meat, consisting mostly of mice, voles and rats but their tremendous size and power also means they are easily capable of taking rabbits or even small deer.

Origin: Native; extinct in Britain since 18th century except for occasional European migrants that have settled here.

Size: 65 – 70 cm. Females are larger than males and can weigh up to 4 kg (9 lbs).

Description: Largest owl in the world. Tall, upright. Prominent ear tufts, large orange eyes.

Habitat: Forests, woodland, rocky and mountain areas.

Young: One or two eggs hatch after 35 days, start to fly after eight weeks and fully independent after six months.

Nest: In a rocky crevice lined with a few feathers.

Diet: Carnivorous; small mammals, but can take anything up to the size of a fox or small deer.

Population: A small number of resident breeding pairs have been recorded in the north of England, and are said to be increasing. The World Owl Trust is calling to reinstate them as a native British bird once again, though there is some opposition due to fears for livestock safety.