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The European Eagle Owl is one of Europe’s most powerful predators, it will kill other birds of prey to claim exclusive use of territory. The European Eagle Owl will predominantly feed on small mammals like rabbit, rat and squirrel but will also take birds such as crows, buzzards, owls and pigeons. When prey is scarce, it has been recorded that they will take prey up to the size of a fox or even small deer.

Fossil Evidence suggests that the European Eagle Owl was once resident in the U.K. Now it is sparsely populated across mainland Europe. Preferred habitat includes forest and mountainous regions with deep ravines, caves and ledges.

Outstanding camouflage makes the European Eagle Owl difficult to spot despite its size. Vocally it can be recognized by a deep hoot, oo-hoo, which can carry up to 1.5 miles.
The European Eagle Owl is not related or hybridized with an eagle, but is so called because of the immense crushing power of its feet, more powerful than a Rottweiler’s jaw.