Eurasian Eagle Owl Facts

The Eurasian or European Eagle Owl was a native of Britain until the latter part of the 19th Century and became extinct here largely as a result of man’s persecution. In recent times reports of its return have become more frequent possibly due to escaped, captive-bred birds. One pair was known to breed in Scotland in the mid-1980s and another pair has been breeding successfully in the north of England since 1996. Lack of suitable habitat and our own reaction to them makes it unlikely that they will ever return here in significant numbers.

Eagle Owls are the largest of the owls and their sheer size and aggressive nature make them the dominant bird of prey (both nocturnal and diurnal) wherever they are found. Very occasionally they are killed by large Eagles, but more often it is they who prey on other Raptors. The arrival of a new Eagle Owl in the vicinity causes panic amongst other birds of prey and a general re-arrangement of territories usually follows as its new neighbours try to give it a wide berth.

They prey mainly on mammals, chiefly rabbit and hare, but have been known to take roe deer and foxes which they kill by crushing their skulls with their huge, powerful feet.