BIRDPEX – protected bird species,Eurasian eagle owl

Eurasian eagle owl (Bubo bubo) Out of 13 species of owls that inhabit Europe, no less than 10 of them nest in Croatia, and the Eurasian eagle owl is the largest among them. It is one of the largest owls in the world as well the least picky one in terms of habitat selection, nesting sites, and feeding. The Croatian name of this species derives from its feathered ear tufts, which do not have an auditory function, as the ears or auditory canals are located much lower – behind the eyes. Their ear tufts allow them to communicate with other owls. Apart from the eagle owl, the long-eared owl is also rather common in Croatia – a much smaller owl species that resides near human settlements and gathers in flocks during the winter. Measuring 160 to 190 cm in wingspan and weighing over four kilograms in exceptional cases, this predator is at the top of the food chain and is sure to leave anyone in awe. It can be found throughout the Eurasian temperate zone in forested and rocky habitats, preferably away from humans. Areas of the world that do not have “our” Eurasian eagle owl have similar and related species of eagle owl that are just as impressive, such as the Indian eagle owl and the American great horned owl, occupying a universal ecological niche open to this large nocturnal flying predator. Eagle owls mainly feed on mammals, from voles to rabbits and birds ranging in size from pigeons to seagulls, however, their diet often includes other animals such as amphibians, reptiles, fish and even larger insects. Larger animals such as fawns and piglets, and even its rival predators such as martens, foxes and dogs can be its prey. Eagle owls will try to nest as close to their source of food as possible, and they will usually choose a nesting site on the cliffs or on the ground. Starting in early March, the breeding season of eagle owls lasts more than six months, which is one of the longest breeding seasons in the avian world. This means about one month of laying on an average of two to three eggs, at least one month of bird raising in the nest, and another six months of fostering the fledglings outside the nest. In the fall, immediately after the young start to become independent, the adult birds engage in territorial behavior, which is the prelude to a new mating cycle. These birds are sedentary, meaning they live in the same area for the entire year. During the 20th century, the number of eagle owls decreased in several European countries as a result of hunting by humans, but the status of their population gradually improved due to the implementation of protective measures in most countries. The biggest threat to eagle owls today are transmission lines as they can get electrocuted. In the first half of the 20th century, the eagle owl became extinct in the lowland areas of Croatia, so nowadays it can be found mostly in the Croatian mountain region and on the coast, where it most frequently nests on cliffs. The population of eagle owls in Croatia is estimated at 800 to 1,200 pairs