eagleowl

Eagleowl is a common name used informally for large owls in the genus Bubo, most prominently the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo). The term is not a formal taxonomic designation, and “eagleowl” may be used to refer to several closely related species in non-scientific contexts.

These birds are among the largest owls. They typically measure 60–75 cm in length, have broad wings with a wingspan that can exceed 1.8 meters, and weigh roughly 2–4.5 kilograms. Plumage is mottled brown to gray with darker streaks, aiding camouflage in rocky and forested habitats. They have large orange to amber eyes and prominent ear tufts.

Eagleowl have a wide distribution across Europe and Asia, from Western Europe to the Russian Far East and parts of the Middle East. They inhabit forests, mountain regions, rocky outcrops, and sometimes human-made structures such as barns or cliffs, favoring rugged terrain for roosting and hunting.

They are primarily nocturnal predators, relying on keen vision and hearing. Their diet includes mammals such as voles, hares, and small foxes; birds such as grouse and corvids; and occasionally amphibians or reptiles. They hunt from perches or while gliding low over open ground.

Breeding occurs in late winter to spring. They nest in tree cavities, rock crevices, ledges, or abandoned structures. Clutch size is typically 1–4 eggs; both parents participate in incubation for about a month, and the young fledge several weeks after hatching.

Conservation status varies regionally. In many areas, eagleowl is listed as Least Concern overall, but local populations face threats from habitat loss, persecution, poisoning, and vehicle collisions. They are protected by law in many countries and are the subject of ongoing monitoring.