Owl by Lisette van Peenen

About "Owl"

by Lisette van Peenen

About the artwork

This owl is 60 to 75 cm long and has a wingspan of 160-188 cm. There are differences, but also overlap, in body size between the two sexes. Males weigh 1.5 to 2.8 kilograms (3 to 4.2 pounds), while females are more substantial and heavier in the shoulders, weighing 1.75 to 4.2 kilograms (3 to 4.2 pounds).[3

Flying image of the eagle owl
The maximum age is 75 years. While resting on a lookout, females are almost immediately noticed for their somewhat drooping plumage, which appears "too big". Males generally make an 'athletic' impression with wings that are carried tightly on the body. Because of its size, massive body and thick head, the eagle owl cannot be confused with any other owl species in Europe. The face of the eagle owl is characterized by large eyes and often long ear tufts. The eye color varies from bright yellow to orange. The ear tufts are mostly black and are formed by a group of feathers which are moved by a separate muscle on the head. The beak is black and lies sunk in a white feathered skin fold; the throat fold.

The plumage is mostly yellow-brown 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 coloured with a white spot. The legs of the eagle owl end in strongly clawed toes. The claws are on average 2-4 cm long and are capable of grasping a wide variety of prey.