Interesting Facts

• Eurasian Eagle Owls are one of the largest owl species in the world. Their wingspan is about 5-6.5 ft. Females are slightly larger than males.
• It is often falsely believed that owls can turn their heads all the way around. While they cannot actually do this, they can turn their heads 270 degrees. They have 14 vertebrae in their neck. A human’s neck has 7 vertebrae.
• Eagle owls are often heard more than they are seen. They communicate through a variety of hoots and clucks.
• These owls primarily hunt at night, although they will hunt during the day time as well. They have very good hearing and night vision. Like all owls, their wings make very little noise while flapping, so they can silently swoop down upon prey. They will catch animals on the ground as well as birds flying mid-air.

Conservation Status

Threats

Their biggest threat is human activity and their numbers are decreasing. They will often abandon their nest if it is disturbed. They are also sometimes killed by poisoning, traffic, and overhead wires.