Class: Birds

Order: Strigiformes

Family: Strigidae

Distribution: Almost all of Europe, Asia (north to the forest limit, east to Yakutia, Sakhalin, Japan, south to North Africa, Arabia, southern China)

Bubo bubo, also known as the Eurasian eagle-owl, is one of the largest owls in the world (second only to the fish owl) and the largest owl in Ukraine. It is easily recognizable in nature due to its size, feathered legs, and large ear-like tufts. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males. Adult birds have a dark reddish-brown to nearly black coloration on the upper side, with dark brown and whitish spots and longitudinal streaks. The underside of the body is whitish or yellowish, with brown longitudinal spots and black transverse stripes. The wing coverts are light ochre. The tail is dark brown with light stripes. The beak is dark brown, and the iris is yellowish. Juvenile birds have white downy plumage, transitioning to yellowish plumage with dark streaks.

Feeding: Carnivorous

Lifespan:

– In the wild: up to 20 years
– In captivity: up to 60 years

Weight:

– 2-4 kg

Conservation status: Threatened