Eurasian eagle-owl Bubo bubo

Description:

The Eurasian eagle-owl is a very large bird, smaller than the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) but larger than the snowy owl. It is sometimes referred to as the world's largest owl, although Blakiston's fish owl (B. blakistoni) is slightly heavier on average and the great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is slightly longer on average. The Eurasian eagle-owl has a wingspan of 160–188 cm (63–74 in), with the largest specimens attaining 200 cm (79 in). The total length of the species can range from 65 to 75 cm (26 to 30 in). Females weigh 2.27–4.5 kg (5.0–9.9 lb) and males weigh 1.8–3.5 kg (4.0–7.7 lb). In comparison, the barn owl (Tyto alba), the world's most widely distributed owl species, weighs about 500 grams (1.1 lbs) and the great horned owl (B. virginianus), which fills the Eurasian eagle-owl's ecological niche in North America, weighs around 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs).[9] Among standard measurements, the tail measures 23–31 cm (9.1–12.2 in) long, the tarsus measures 7.4–8.8 cm (2.9–3.5 in) and the bill is 4.2–5.8 cm (1.7–2.3 in).

Habitat:

Eurasian eagle-owls are distributed sparsely through rocky areas but can potentially inhabit a wide range of habitats. They have been found in habitats as diverse as Northern coniferous forests and the edge of vast deserts. They are often found in the largest numbers in areas where cliffs and ravines are surrounded by a scattering of trees and bushes. Taiga, rocky coast lines, steppe and grasslands, may also be visited, largely while hunting. Their territories cover on average about 42.5 square kilometres (16.4 sq mi). Due to their preference for rocky habitats, the species is often found in mountainous areas and can be found at elevations of up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in Europe and 4,500 m (14,800 ft) in Asia. However, they can also be found at sea level, on islands and even over extensive reed beds. In all, they can hunt between sea level and the snow line. The birds roost by day in rock clefts, ruins, large hollow trees and dense foliage.

Notes:

Birds of a professional falconer. Found injured and nursed back to health in his rescue center.