Eurasian Eagle-Owl vs Eastern Screech-owl

Bubo bubo compared with Megascops asio

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eurasian Eagle-Owl Eastern Screech-owl
Scientific Name Bubo bubo Megascops asio
Order Strigiformes Strigiformes
Family Strigidae Strigidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length 68.0 cm (26.8 in)
Wingspan 170.0 cm (66.9 in) 33.7 cm (13.3 in)
Weight 2800.0 g (98.77 oz) 190.75 g (6.73 oz)
Diet Mammals up to the size of hares and young foxes, and birds up to the … --
Clutch Size 2-4 3-5
Population Trend

Size Comparison

Body Length
Eurasian Eagle-Owl 68.0 cm
Eastern Screech-owl
Wingspan
Eurasian Eagle-Owl 170.0 cm
Eastern Screech-owl 33.7 cm
Weight
Eurasian Eagle-Owl 2800.0 g
Eastern Screech-owl 190.75 g

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Eurasian Eagle-Owl only

Eastern Screech-owl only

None

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Rocky landscapes, cliffs, gorges, and open forest across Eurasia. Increasingly found near human settlements.

Song & Call Comparison

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Song

Powerful, resonant 'ooo-hu' duetting with mate across great distances at dusk. One of Europe's deepest owl calls. Also gives barking screams, hisses, and grunts at the nest.

Eastern Screech-owl

Geographic Range & Migration

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Widespread across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The most widely distributed eagle-owl.

Eastern Screech-owl

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Least Concern

Eastern Screech-owl

How to Tell Them Apart

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

Plumage

Tawny-brown plumage heavily mottled and streaked with black. Large prominent orange eyes and long ear tufts. Streaked breast and barred belly.

Bill

Powerful, dark grey-black hooked bill

Eastern Screech-owl

About These Birds

Eurasian Eagle-Owl

The Eurasian eagle-owl is one of the largest owl species in the world, with females sometimes reaching a wingspan of nearly two meters. Its deep booming call can be heard up to four kilometers away on calm nights. These apex predators sit at the top of the avian food chain, preying on other raptors including buzzards and smaller owls.

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