This is ‘the big guy’. Eurasian Eagle Owl.
A little under 3 feet (.9 meters) tall and a 6.5 foot (1.98 meter) wing span, he is really big. He is recognized as the largest owl in the world. However, there is a Fish Owl about the same size.
Their habitat is thick woods across much of Europe, across Russia, and through Asia Minor and China. A big range. There are also several subspecies because they are so widely spread out.
Since they have such a huge range there are places the breed is safe and doing well (no large human population) and others where they are endangered.
The Great Horned Owl in the US and Canada is a member of the Eagle Owl family.
A member of a breeding program at the Avian Conservation Center, Charleston, South Carolina.
Note; He will fly loose at the center and has buzzed Ellen multiple times at a past photo shoot.
Wow! What is an amazing Owl! I have never seen this Owl before. You made interesting and very impressive portraits of it.
Thank you. Those eyes, the color, are what catches your attention right away. Of course the thing is huge too 😂😂😂