Eurasian Eagle Owl

Eurasian eagle owls are one of the largest species of owls in the world; while great gray owls have longer bodies and Blakiston’s fish owls are often heavier, Eurasian
eagle owls have the largest wingspan. They are
widespread throughout many parts of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Eagle owls prefer
wooded habitats but are also found near grasslands, steppes, and urban areas. Similarly,
while they primarily hunt small mammals, these impressive predators are also known to
hunt woodpeckers, herons, reptiles, fish, and even other raptors.
Eagle owls are also known for their strikingly-colored eyes, which are a vibrant orange.
Interestingly, an owl’s eye color can indicate when it hunts. Generally, species with yellow
or orange eyes are crepuscular, whereas species with dark brown eyes are more active at
night. There are certainly exceptions to this rule, but it is still a good general indication.
Although eagle owls aren’t native to North America, they are closely related to great horned
owls, exhibiting similar coloration and feather tufts on top of their heads.