Eurasian eagle-owls

The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) is one of the world's largest owls, recognisable by its heavy body, bright orange eyes and long ear tufts. Its deep "oo-hu" call is where its Turkish name, puhu, comes from.

Where does it live?

It lives across a large area from Europe to Asia and North Africa. It prefers cliffs, narrow valleys, mountain slopes and places where forest meets open ground. In Türkiye it is found in rocky and mountainous areas in many regions.

What does it eat?

It is a carnivore that catches a wide range of prey: mice, rats, hares, hedgehogs, birds and sometimes other owls. It usually waits on a perch and glides silently down on prey when it spots it.

Behaviour and social life

Eagle-owls are mostly active at dusk and at night. Pairs stay together for a long time and announce their territory with calls. The special structure of their feathers lets them fly almost silently.

Chicks

They usually nest on rock ledges, in cave mouths or in old nests of other birds. The female usually lays 2–4 eggs and incubates them, while the male brings food to her and the chicks.

Conservation status

The Eurasian eagle-owl is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Collisions with and electrocution on power lines, illegal killing and disturbance at nests are significant causes of death in some regions.

Fun facts

• Owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees.
• Their eyes are fixed in their sockets, so they must turn their heads to look around.
• The eagle-owl's ear tufts are thought to help signal mood and intent.