Eurasian eagle-owl
[ Bubo bubo ]
Description
Anatomy: A large nocturnal bird of prey with a sturdy body and broad wings. It has a massive head with prominent ear tufts and large, orange eyes set at the front. Its flight is powerful and silent; it has highly developed hearing.
Beak: Short, strong and curved, suited to tearing prey apart; large, sharp talons for capturing and immobilising prey.
Plumage: Brownish-fawn with dense dark streaks, lighter on the belly; thick and insulating, providing camouflage and thermal protection.
Habitat /
Habits
Habitat: It prefers environments where woods and open spaces alternate. The tawny owl is known to adapt to urban environments, where it can nest in gardens or old buildings.
Habits: nocturnal and twilight, during the day it stays on sheltered perches: rock, ruin or tree cavities.
Reproduction
Species: Monogamous
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Mating season: February
Eggs hatching period: 34 – 36 days
Births: April – May
Number of eggs: 2 – 5
Diet
Carnivorous Mammals:
rodents, rabbits, hares, foxes, fawns.
Other animals: birds, amphibians, reptiles.
