Continuing from yesterday’s post, I also photographed a Eurasian Eagle Owl, a very cool and seemingly aloof bird with a face only a mother could love. (Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge.)

Eurasian Eagle Owl

Eagle owls are the largest owls in the world with an average wingspan of nearly six feet and are best known for their large, striking orange eyes. They are often called the Old World version of America’s widely distributed great horned owl. They have prominent ear tufts and are primarily brown-black and tawny-buff in color.

Found in North Africa, Europe, The Middle East and Asia, Eagle owls are primarily solitary animals except during the mating period. They fiercely defend their territory against other owls and will only overlap territories slightly if food is sparse. Despite their large size, they are very elusive creatures, spending most of their days roosting high in trees and remaining relatively inactive. They are nocturnal and become active at dusk and remain so throughout the night.

At the top of the food chain, Eagle owls are carnivores. They are primarily nocturnal hunters and have various hunting techniques. They take their prey in flight or on the ground. They prefer to hunt in open spacious locations rather than forests. Most owls are very capable hunters and the eagle owl is no exception. Owl wings have evolved to make very little noise when flapping. With their night vision, advanced hearing, and silent flight they are the hit men of their territory. Their prey usually has no idea they were being stalked. They feed on almost anything they can catch including rats, mice, voles, beetles and even large prey like deer fawns and foxes.

Eagle owls are considered rare but not yet threatened. Their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss from human encroachment.

Next: Great Horned Owl