How They Grow - Eurasian Eagle Owls

Let us introduce you to the largest owl in the world - the Eurasian Eagle Owl!   This species is indigenous to Europe, Asia and North Africa.

These little 11 day old hatchlings don't look so fierce do they?  However, when fully grown they are capable of capturing prey as large as a roe deer fawn.

Follow along with us as we track their development over their first ninety days.

At 14 days the first hatchling is becoming more alert and attuned to his surroundings.  

They're still sweet and cuddly though--right?

At 17 days, even though they're still cute and fluffy, we sometimes see a glimpse of the mischievous little predator hiding behind the fluff.

At 34 days are these innocent little stares hiding a bundle of mischief?

At 45 days - beginning to get his "big boy" feathers, and practicing his perching techniques. 

In the wild he would be getting ready to fledge the nest during the next week or two, although the parents may continue to care for him for as long as 140 to 168 days.

At 62 days we begin to see the natural hunting instinct that prompts them to pounce on anything that moves--or doesn't!  Here we see him practicing his mouse killing technique by pouncing on a twig

At 77 days he's beginning to resemble the adult of his species, and in the wild would be honing his hunting techniques, while still being cared for by his parents.  At this stage most of his swoops and pounces would probably be near misses.

At 83 days, he's almost fully feathered and full of mischief, but still trying to pull the innocent act.

In the wild he would be attempting to hunt and catch prey, which might include insects, small rodents, and small birds, as well as medium sized birds and mammals like opossums, hares, foxes, ducks, quail and pheasant.  If he lived in a coastal area he might feed mainly on ducks and seabirds.  Mom and dad would still be feeding him while he is refining his hunting techniques.

By 140 to 170 days old he will have perfected his hunting skills well enough that his parents will have stopped supporting him, and he will be on his own.

Once he has grown all of his adult plumage and reached full adulthood he will be as impressive as our resident Eurasian Eagle Owl, Bogart, pictured here.  

To fully appreciate the size difference between the Eurasian Eagle Owl and the other species of owls with which you may be more familiar, come join us for one of our Owl Prowls.  

Only 4 Owl Prowls remaining: 2/20 & 21, and 2/27 & 28

For Reservations Call:  636-225-4390, Ext. 0