Bubo

Bubo is a genus of owls in the family Strigidae, commonly referred to as eagle-owls. The genus includes several large owl species found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with Bubo bubo (the Eurasian eagle-owl) being the best known and among the largest living owls. Taxonomic placement within Strigidae has varied, and some authorities have revised which species are included in Bubo, or moved certain species to related genera.

Members of the genus are typically robust, with prominent ear tufts, strong talons, and large eyes that range from yellow to orange. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, relying on stealth and powerful flight to capture a wide range of prey, including small mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles or amphibians. Vocalizations are generally deep, resonant hoots that help establish territory and attract mates.

Bubo species occupy a broad range of habitats, including forests, mountains, and open country, often near wetlands or water sources. They commonly nest in tree cavities, rocky ledges, or abandoned structures. Clutch sizes usually total two to four eggs, with the female incubating while the male provides food; young owlets fledge after several weeks and reach independence after a few months.

In culture, the name Bubo appears in popular media as the title character of a mechanical owl in the 1981 film Clash of the Titans, created by the god Hephaestus to aid the hero Perseus. The term is sometimes used in popular references to owls in general.