Verreaux's eagle-owl (milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl) gliding across grass
Verreaux's eagle-owl, also known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, (Bubo lacteus) is a member of the family Strigidae and is the largest African owl. It is a very large and powerful owl species. It ranges from 60–66 cm (24–26 in) in length. This species has an average wingspan of 140 cm (55 in). In appearance, they are distinguished by a whitish oval disk face with a black border and their pink eyelids. Their eyes are orange in color and they have two fluffy ear-tufts. Overall, they are a fairly uniform brownish-gray, with light vermiculations above and white spots on the shoulder. They are paler on the underside. Verreaux's eagle-owl is found through most of Sub-Saharan Africa, though it is absent from most of the deep rainforests. They are also found in the Middle East. The species is found at the highest densities in eastern and southern Africa. They inhabit mainly semi-desert or dry savanna with scattered trees and thorny vegetation. They also range into riverine forest adjacent to savanna and small, semi-open woodland surrounded by open country, though they are less likely in more wooded habitats. They may inhabit all elevations, from sea-level to snow line. They are nocturnal birds and roost in trees, with large, shaded horizontal branches of tall, old trees preferred. They sleep lightly and will awaken very quickly to defend themselves from attack in daylight hours Verreaux's eagle-owl is considered an avian apex predator, meaning it is at or near the top of the food chain and healthy adults normally have no natural predators. They hunt predominantly in early evening though have been observed to swoop on prey during daylight. The owls usually fly to a different perch from their daytime roost to do their hunting. Verreaux's eagle-owls mainly hunt by gliding down on their prey from a perch. Full-grown owls feed on a variety of prey items, with medium-sized mammals and large birds being preferred, even to the size of an adult ostrich on occasion.
Size: 3955px × 3164px
Location: Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire, SP11 8DY, UK
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: african, avian, bird, bubo, eagle, eagle-owl, flight, flying, giant, lacteus, milky, nocturnal, owl, prey, verreaux
