The Eagle Owl is one of the largest owls in the world, and is considered
the most eclectic in terms of habitat, nest site and diet. An undisputed
top predator, it can prey on a range of mammals up to the size of a fox,
and almost every species of bird, reptile, amphibian and fish, as well
as a wide spectrum of invertebrates. Surprisingly, this owl can breed
almost anywhere, the female laying her eggs on a variety of natural and
artificial structures over an array of altitudes. Despite being so
adaptable, however, it is still a vulnerable species, and has suffered
widely from persecution as well as other threats including electrocution
on power lines, decreasing prey availability, the effects of pesticides
and pollutants, and habitat alteration.
Vincenzo Penteriani and María del Mar Delgado have studied this
fascinating bird extensively across its vast Eurasian range. In this
book, they detail its intriguing ecology, covering distribution,
foraging and breeding behavior, interspecific interactions, dispersal
and conservation issues. The final two chapters provide a remarkable
insight into vocal and visual communication. Scientists have long
believed that owls and other crepuscular and nocturnal birds forgo the
visual signals found in other avian species, but recent research on the
Eagle Owl has suggested otherwise.
Bringing together more than 30 years of research, The Eagle Owl tells
a story rich in detail of one of the most thrilling and magnificent
birds in the world.
