Eurasian Eagle-Owl
Bubo bubo (Linnaeus, 1758)
EO
EAGOW
7440
Family: Strigiformes > Strigidae
One of the largest owls, breeding has been recorded sporadically, notably in northern England. A review of records strongly suggested that aviary escapes are behind the sightings and breeding attempts.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Eurasian Eagle-Owl
BTO RECORDS
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Eurasian Eagle-Owl identification is often straightforward.
SONGS AND CALLS
Listen to example recordings of the main vocalisations of Eurasian Eagle-Owl, provided by xeno-canto contributors.
Song
Song
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Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | No |
POPULATION SIZE
We have no population estimates for this scarce species.
| BOU Category | E |
|
First Record
|
1684 |
DISTRIBUTION
The current breeding population of Eagle Owls is considered to be the result of aviary escapes and deliberate introductions. The few records collected during Atlas fieldwork were centred on northwest England, with just two 10-km squares with confirmed breeding. Other pairs almost certainly bred during the Atlas period but sensitivities surrounding this species mean that not all records are available with sufficient spatial resolution for mapping.
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in breeding season | 8 |
| % occupied in breeding season | 0.3 |
| No. occupied in winter | 16 |
| % occupied in winter | 0.5 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
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Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution Change 1968–72 to 2008–11.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution Change 1981–84 to 2007–11
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Eurasian Eagle-Owl, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
Sample sizes are too small to report Productivity and Nesting statistics for this species.
BIOMETRICS
Sample sizes are too small to report Biometrics for this species.
Feather measurements and photos on featherbase
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: EO | 5-letter code: EAGOW | Euring: 7440 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Value of nest boxes for population studies and conservation of owls in coniferous forests in Britain
- Status and attempted reintroduction of burrowing owls in Minnesota, USA
- Re-examination of the capital and income dichotomy in breeding birds
Read more studies about Eurasian Eagle-Owl on Conservation Evidence >
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