Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) in wildflower meadow, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

© Rosl Roessner/Minden Picture

Bright eyes. The mighty Eagle Owl

Today we bring you the Eurasian Eagle Owl, pictured here in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate. One of the largest types of owl in the world, it cuts a striking figure with its bright orange eyes, ear tufts and six-foot wingspan. The Eagle Owl can be spotted in forests, mountain habitats, grasslands and deserts across Europe and Asia. It eats small mammals but, thanks to its size, is not above taking on foxes and small deer as well. Eagle Owls have been spotted nesting in the UK but here you are more likely to see five smaller species. The Barn Owl, Tawny Owl, Short-Eared Owl and Long-Eared Owl are all native to the UK while the Little Owl was introduced during the late 1800s.