Verreaux's Eagle-owl

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Verreaux's Eagle Owl

Conservation status

Least Concern

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Strigiformes
Family:	Strigidae
Genus:	Bubo
Species:	B. lacteus

Binomial name

Bubo lacteus
Temminck, 1820

Verreaux's Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus (also known as the Milky Eagle Owl) is a member of the family Strigidae and is one of the largest of the world's owls. It ranges from 26 to 28 inches (66-71 cm) in length. The wingspan is up to 6.5 feet (2 m), and they average 9 pounds in weight (4 kg). In appearance, they are distinguished by a whitish oval disk face with a black border, pink eyelids,^[1] orange eyes and two feather tufts on their ears. Their feathers are dark brown on top and light gray below.

[edit] Habitat

This owl is found in Sub-Saharan Africa typically along forest streams and rivers, seldom above 6500 feet. They are nocturnal birds and roost in tall trees. They sleep lightly and will awaken very quickly to defend themselves from attack in daylight hours. They hunt in early evening. Full grown owls feed on hares, mongoose and many other small game animals. They are one of the very few birds to feed on hedgehogs.^[2] Near cities their prey include rats and pigeons.

[edit] Mating

Breeding takes place from March to September.^[3] The female lays two eggs and incubates them for thirty-eight days. She remains on the nest for the entire incubation period while the male hunts for food for both of them. The first egg to hatch is the first to be fed, and if food is not plentiful only the first one hatched will be fed. If food is abundant, both owlets will be fed. The chicks are ready to leave the nest at nine weeks but may remain with the parents for up to three months.

[edit] Population

It is becoming rare in its territory but is not yet considered endangered.^[4]

The Milky eagle owl is mostly in antarctica(south).

[edit] Culture

In Africa, this owl is considered to be a sign of extreme bad luck. It is believed that if this owl attacks a human victim on the head, then the victim will die shortly after.

[edit] References

BirdLife International (2004). Bubo lacteus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern