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This eagle owl is the largest and most powerful owl in Europe, about (27 inches) in length. It has a large beak and enormous talons but its most noticeable features are the striking orange eyes. It has prominent ear tufts, which are raised or lowered depending on its mood. The plumage is mostly mottled but with bolder streaks on the breast.

The eagle owl lives in remote wilderness areas far from human activity. Only large tracts of undisturbed land can provide a sufficient and reliable food supply for this predator. Eagle Owl can be found from Europe across Russia to Pacific, South to Iran, Pakistan across to China and Korea. Eagle Owls occupy a variety of habitats, from coniferous forests to warm deserts. Rocky landscapes are often favored. Adequate food supply and nesting sites seem to be the most important prerequisites.

Will eat almost anything the moves - from beetles to deer fawns. The major part of their diet consists of mammals (Voles, rats, mice, foxes, hares etc...), but birds of all kinds are also taken, including crows, ducks, grouse, seabirds, and even other birds of prey (including other owls). Other prey taken includes snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, and crabs.

The world’s largest : owl, but very shy and elusive despite its great size and fearsome appearance. Highly sensitive ears can detect the faintest sounds of prey at a distance of 30' and then pinpoint its position even in total darkness. It can tackle prey as large as hares and ducks, killing its quarry with its deadly curved talons.

Like many poorly understood night birds, the eagle owl has been the victim of ignorance. During the 19th century, the species declined dramatically over most of its range, due mainly to the destruction of its eggs and young by farmers and gamekeepers. Today, legal protection and projects to release birds into areas from which they had vanished, such as Germany, have helped some populations recover. But as it needs large feeding territories and is so wary of humans, the species is likely to remain scarce over much of its range.

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