Logan, Eurasian Eagle Owl
Latin Name
Bubo bubo
Family
Strigidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: Eurasian eagle owls typically live for approximately 10–20 years in the wild. Once they reach adulthood, they have few natural predators and may survive considerably longer under favourable conditions.
Captivity: Eurasian eagle owls can live for up to approximately 60 years when provided with suitable accommodation, nutrition and veterinary care.
Body size
Eurasian eagle owls are among the world’s largest and heaviest owls. They have powerful bodies, broad wings, prominent feather tufts and striking orange eyes. Females are generally considerably larger and heavier than males.
- Weight: Approximately 1.6–4.2kg (3.5–9.3 lb).
- Height/body length: Approximately 58–71cm (22.8–28 in).
- Wingspan: Approximately 150–200cm (4.9–6.6 ft).
Size varies between subspecies and geographical populations, with birds from colder northern regions generally being larger than those from warmer southern areas.
Native habitat
Eurasian eagle owls have an extensive native range covering much of Europe and Asia. They are found from the Iberian Peninsula and Scandinavia through Central and Eastern Europe, Russia and Siberia, and into parts of the Middle East and East Asia.
They are highly adaptable and can occupy a wide variety of environments, including:
- Rocky mountains and valleys
- Cliffs and ravines
- Quarries
- Coniferous and deciduous woodland
- Forest edges
- Steppe and grassland
- Scrubland
- Semi-desert
- Farmland
- River valleys and wetlands
They particularly favour landscapes combining rocky nesting sites with open hunting areas. Nests are usually positioned on sheltered cliff ledges, among rocks or near cave entrances. They may also use abandoned nests belonging to other large birds and, increasingly, quarries and tall artificial structures.
Diet
Eurasian eagle owls are carnivorous, opportunistic hunters capable of catching a remarkably wide variety of prey.
Their diet can include:
- Rats, mice and voles
- Rabbits and hares
- Squirrels and other small mammals
- Pigeons, crows and gamebirds
- Ducks and other waterfowl
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Fish
- Large insects
- Other owls and birds of prey
The exact diet varies according to the prey available within each territory. Rodents, rabbits and birds commonly form the largest proportion.
Eurasian eagle owls hunt primarily at night. They watch and listen from an elevated perch before flying silently towards their prey, which is captured and killed using their extremely powerful feet and talons. Smaller prey may be swallowed whole, while larger animals are torn into manageable pieces.
Get to know Logan
Logan is a big softie who enjoys hooting loudly at every member of staff, whom he appears to regard as his own devoted social group. He can occasionally become a little overenthusiastic when showing his affection, but his impressive appearance and larger-than-life personality make him a firm favourite on our experience days. While problem-solving may not be his greatest strength, there is no denying that he is a magnificent bird. Logan has now retired from public flying displays due to his intense fear of balloons, as we can never guarantee that one of these helium-filled nemeses will not drift past while he is in flight!
Fun Fact!
Despite their appearance, the prominent tufts on top of a Eurasian eagle owl’s head are not ears and do not improve its hearing. The owl’s actual ear openings are concealed beneath feathers on the sides of its head.
The feather tufts may help the owl blend into its surroundings by breaking up the outline of its head. Their position can also communicate the bird’s mood: the tufts may stand upright when the owl is alert or excited and lie flatter when it is relaxed.