Living in the Baltic Sea

Age
20 years old
Record size & age
73 cm / 4,2 kg, 60 years old in captivity.
Habitat
Usually on cliff ledges or a rock on the ground, and they have a territory of about 4-6 km² in mountain, forest and archipelago areas. The Eagle Owl is nocturnal, active at night and stationary during the day. They have also been found living in cities. Since 2005, at least 5 couples have nested in Helsinki. The number is expected to increase due to the growth of a wild rabbit population in Helsinki, most likely originating from released pet rabbits.
Food
Small mammals but some times larger ones like fox and young deer.

Reproduction
Age: 3-4 years old
Season: February - September
Number of eggs: 2-3

The eggs are being brooded by the female for about 1 month. During this time the male provide his mate with food, and continues to support the whole family with food even a few weeks after hatching. The young birds start to fly at the age of about 2 months, but they are not ready to fend for themselves before 4 months old.

Human impact and Status
Since this bird sometimes hunt at open landfills and garbage dumps they run a risk of being poisoned by contaminated rats. Natural habitats are disturbed by pollution and the forestry industry’s clearing of trees. The Eagle Owl is becoming scarce after many years of hunting and killing it because it was competing with man for game meat, it is now a protected bird. The species is, however, illegally hunted the eggs collected and sold as well as young birds that are killed, stuffed and sold.

There are a number of myths, stories and fables around this large impressive bird believed to have all kinds of mystical powers in historic times. Man’s fascination with this bird continues. In June 2007, an Eagle Owl nick-named 'Bubi' landed in the crowded Helsinki Olympic Stadium during the European Football Championship qualification match between Finland and Belgium. The match was interrupted for 6 minutes. Finland's national football team adopted the nickname Huuhkajat (Finnish for Eurasian Eagle-owls) after this incident. The Owl was appointed "Helsinki Citizen of the Year" in December 2007. CLOSE