The Iberian Peninsular Buho Real
DescriptionThe Iberian buho real (buho bubo) or Eurasian Eagle Owl belongs to the Strigidae family. It is a nocturnal raptor. Its height is approximately 60-70 cms with a wingspan of 180 cms. The females are a little larger than the males.The prominent features of the buho real are: large orange eyes, (with binocular vision), fluffy tawny/mottled feathers, (thin wisps fringe each adult flight feather, 'muting' their flight) and two ear tuft feathers. The beak and claws are curved, black and needle-sharp. Toes are feathered, protecting them from the cold or - from freshly caught prey that might attack back. They will double in size, if they feel threatened; equally, they compress their feathers to camouflage themselves during the day. HabitatOwls can live almost everywhere, except in the Antarctica. On the Iberian Peninsular the buho bobo hispanus is a habitual resident, scarce in the north and not found on the Islands.Boulder-strewn areas, cliff faces, woodpecker holes, ravines - almost anywhere with a hollow - are areas where it will roost and breed. Different owl species select varied habitats. Grasslands, spruce forests, woodlands, frozen tundra and open woodland are some choices. BehaviourThe buho real is resolutely territorial, its domain-size, depends on the amount of available prey; certainly it can cover a few kilometres-breadth. Boundaries are marked by 'song emitted' from their diverse perches. When they mate, the birds remain a stable couple for the whole year.When hunting, it perches on a branch, to observe the territory below. Its ears 'fix' the distance of the prey. Owls posses amazing neck-flexibility and can swivel their heads right round, in order to see behind. There is another reason for this ability: each ear's earshot level is disparate. By turning their heads, this ability, acts as a sound-gauge. The owl turns its head until the sound-level matches in both ears. Bill snaps, in-flight wing-clapping and a variety of sounds: pitches, timbres, deep hoots, chirps, whistling, screeches distinguish each owl species. Females vocalize higher. They are most active at dusk and at dawn. DietThe diet of the Iberian Peninsular's Buho Real is much associated with the rabbit; it also hunts: crabs, fish, frogs, rats, moles, snakes, lizards, and beetles.ReproductionCourting and the marking of boundaries commences November-December. They are known to bow, bob and dance during courting. Nests are built February-April. Nest building material is regurgitated pellets: fur and feathers of hunted prey. Open nests have leaves and grass incorporated.Egg laying occurs on two-day intervals. Normally there are three eggs for the Buho Real; the Snowy Owl is known to lay up to twelve eggs. The chicks can leave the nest (without yet flying) after 28-35 days and they can fly after 60 days. Young chicks have two consecutive coats of soft fine white feathers to insulate against the cold. This replaced with juvenile plumage and finally it grows the adult coat. |
