From Opus

Photo by John Keep
Location: Bulgaria

Alternative name: Great Eagle-Owl

Bubo bubo

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Taxonomy

There are 16 subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Mountains and forests with cliffs and rocky areas.

[edit] Behaviour

Fast and powerful flight.

It hunts large prey like Capercaillie and Hare.

[edit] Vocalisation

[edit] References

1. Birdwatchers Pocket Guide ISBN 1-85732-804-3
2. Collins Field Guide 5th Edition
3. Wikipedia
4. Konig & Weick, Owls of the world. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2

[edit] External Links