What kind of owl is this?

Look at the bottom feathers nearest the chair in the OP. Definitely a European Eagle Owl.

Deleted

Oppppsss.......... Didn't realise link shortening sites weren't allowed and the actual link was far too long over 700 characters:eek:
 
Last edited:
I think they were made extinct in the UK at some point in time. I'm not sure if they were re-introduced or whether captive eagle owls escaped etc but they are on the increase again now I believe. It's a similar story to that of the Red Kite. Their population is increasing all of the time now. I have seen those as far south as just north of Stockbridge whilst on a walk around the test way, at least I think it was the test way.

It is an amazing sight seeing an owl fly silently. Try and stroke it Kenai, you'll feel how soft its feathers are which is how they fly so silently.
 
young eagle owl probably escaped from someones avary type enclosure.

my dads mate lost a buzzard once never came back :( . looks fantastic though :cool:
 
Screw the photos, videos!

My Cockatiel wants to size it up!

pika_l4dpuffy.jpg
 
Well it's not got a chip, so it's just the ring to go on, which isn't easily linking itself to any easily findable 'codes'
 
Looks like an eagle owl to me - possibly a juvenile. Definitely not a tawny - wrong colour. Tawny owl is much darker brown. You really need to contact an animal rescue charity as it seems to be in need of some expert care.
 
Your owl is either a Bengal Eagle Owl (most likely) or a European Eagle Owl. EEOs can be VERY large, much larger than the fella on your armchair, which is why I go for the Bengal Eagle Owl, also known as the Indian Eagle Owl or Rock Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis). Frankly he just looks like a Bengal.

These owls are very common in raptor centres (they're one of the half dozen or so species that you'll find in every centre) and it's most likely that he/she is an escapee. I haven't heard of feral individuals in this country. Established escapees tend to be the larger European Eagle Owl.

Captive owls are almost always fed day-old hen chicks, so that's what you'd best get for him. He'd be unfamiliar with rats. There is no reason why you shouldn't keep him going initially on say raw steak. He should come to accept rats, and they'll be much better for him. Also make sure to provide a water supply (in a heavy bowl that he won't knock over) as owls like drinking. He may try to bathe in it.

It's likely he hasn't moved far from wherever he is kept and your best move is to report the find to the police in the hope that the owners will report the loss. I would avoid the RSPCA as they have a very poor reputation for dealing with these birds. You could also look to see if there are any raptor centres near you and ask if they have lost an eagle owl (though make sure to say bengal).

You are very lucky as this is one of the most beautiful owls. I agree he looks quite young, and in your first pic he looks a bit wet! He also looks pretty tame. Has he flown yet?

You'll find he is very messy and you'll need to take steps to protect your carpets and furniture. Don't let him into the kitchen as he may settle on the stove, with possibly horrible consequences.

There are some photos of the various captive species of owl, including this one, on my page here:

http://www.godsownclay.com/OwlGallery/owlgallery03.html

Hope that helps.
 
A friend of my Dad's has a European Eagle Owl, and was banned from exercising it at the local country park after someone complained when it tried to fly off with their Jack Russell - they are big birds !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom