Characteristics
Eagle owls look very much like their great horned cousins, but are larger birds. They have prominent ear tufts that are usually not raised upright. Eagle owls have mottled brownish feathers, and a streaked breast. Like most owls and raptors, there are no color differences between the sexes. The eagle owl has very large eyes that are a vivid orange in color.
Behavior
Eagle owls have a large repertoire of hoots, growls, chirps, clicks and beak-clacks they use to communicate moods and needs. Silent and deadly hunters, the eagle owl swoops down upon its prey from above. Owlets leave the nest before fledging and are called “branchers”. They climb around on tree branches until their wings are sufficiently feathered for flight.
Did You Know?
- Eagle owls are the largest bodied owl species in the world!
- Like most owls, eagle owls have excellent hearing and night vision.
- Eagle Owls will eat almost anything the moves – from beetles to roe deer fawns. They can even capture food in mid-air!
Our Animals
Three eagle owls live here at Potter Park Zoo. Two are on exhibit at the zoo, and Oslo is a fantastic education animal who has inspired thousands of people.
