Owls
Eurasian Eagle-Owl
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Bubo bubo
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Voice
Song
Lionel Triboulin
Song
Lionel Triboulin
Call
Mirko Tomasi
How to recognize it
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Very large, bulky, barrel-shaped silhouette
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Erect ear tufts and orange eyes
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Buff to rufous-brown plumage with dark streaking
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Deep two-note hoot, carries far
About the species
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl feels massive and heavy-built, with a very large head and obvious feather tufts. Its bright eyes and soft, loose plumage make it look even bulkier than it really is.
Most often, you notice it by its deep, far-carrying hoot and its steady movements at dusk or during the night. It is watchful but not flashy, and at the nest it usually keeps a low profile, though it can change posture sharply when alarmed.
It suits rocky slopes, ravines, woodland edges, open groves, and quiet parks as long as there are sheltered places and enough prey nearby. It eats a wide range of animals — from rodents and hares to other nestlings and small to medium-sized prey — and in many places stays year-round.
Where to find
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On quiet city edges — near gullies, stone embankments, and old bridges, where a deep hoot carries from a high perch after dusk.
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In large parks with mature trees and dense crowns, it may sit motionless near the treetop before dropping low over lawns to hunt mice and rats.
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Along canal banks, pond edges, and overgrown water margins — especially where reeds meet soft ground rich in prey.
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On vacant lots and semi-abandoned plots with scrub — look for short nocturnal flights along open edges.
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Around older districts with tall buildings and towers, it can use ledges as watch posts and call just after sunset.
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Bubo bubo Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Eurasian eagle-owl Encyclopedia article