Owl, Bubo bubo, in flight. by Gert Hilbink

The eagle owl (Bubo bubo) is one of the largest owls in the world, and probably the second largest owl species after the Blakiston's fish owl. The bird gets its name from its call. Especially in late winter, the male lets out his imposing "eagle owl"call. This owl is 60 to 75 cm long and has a wingspan of 160-188 cm. There are differences, as well as overlap, in body size between the two sexes. Males weigh 1.5 to 2.8 kilograms, females are more substantial and heavier in the shoulders and weigh 1.75 to 4.2 kilograms. The maximum age in the wild is about 20 years. In captivity, they can live to be considerably older. [4] Females, while resting on a lookout, are almost immediately noticed for their somewhat drooping plumage, which appears 'too big'. Males generally make an 'athletic' impression with wings carried tightly on the body. Due to its size, massive body and thick head, the eagle owl cannot be confused with any other owl species in Europe. Characteristic of the face of the eagle owl are its large eyes and often long ear tufts. The eye color varies from bright yellow to fire orange. The ear tufts are predominantly black in color and are formed by a group of feathers that are moved by a separate muscle on the head. The bill is black and is sunk into a white feathered skin fold; the throat fold.
The plumage is predominantly yellow-brown in color with black accents. The black accents are most prominent on the back and the top of the wings. On the chest, the plumage is characteristically ochre colored and with a white spot. The legs of the eagle owl end in sharply clawed toes. The claws average about 2-4 cm in length and are capable of grasping a wide variety of prey.