European Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo bubo) 

We currently do not fly one of these birds but house a breeding pair. The largest owl we fly is a sub-species: Turkmenian Eagle Owl.

In the wild

The European Eagle Owl is the largest species of owl in the world.

Origin: The sub-species (bubo) originates from Iberia east to the Ukraine and north to Scandinavia and northwest Russia.

Diet: Mammals, ranging in size from small rodents (shrews) to hares. In central Europe hedgehogs are a favourite prey, as well as rats taken at refuse dumps. Birds to the size of herons and Buzzards are taken, as well as reptiles, frogs, larger insects and even earthworms. Occassionally carrion.

Habitat: Primarily rocky landscapes, often scattered with trees, small groves or bushes, from sea-level to above timberline. Also forest with clearings, cultivated open or semi-open areas with quarries, rocky cliffs in valleys. Locally near human settlements. Avoids dense, extensive forest.