Alternative name: Great Eagle-Owl
- Bubo bubo
Identification
Largest European Owl at 65-70cm (similar in size to Common Buzzard).
Tawny-brown upperparts, with dark mottling. Blackish streaks on buff underparts. Large, orange fierce-looking eyes appear to 'shine' in the dark facial disc. Prominent wide ear tufts. Bright patch on outer wing visible in flight.
Distribution
Resident in a large part of Europe from Scandinavia to Italy, south of France to Spain and Portugal.
Has bred in Belgium and there has been a breeding pair in the British Isles at Lancashire. Otherwise vagrant to the UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Taxonomy
There are 16 subspecies.
Habitat
Mountains and forests with cliffs and rocky areas.
Behaviour
Fast and powerful flight.
It hunts large prey like Capercaillie and Hare.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Bubo bubo (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
References
- Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3
- Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
- Wikipedia
- Konig & Weick, Owls of the world. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2
