Pharaoh Eagle-Owl

The Pharaoh eagle-owl, a member of the Strigidae family, is a captivating bird of prey with a distinctive appearance. It boasts a mottled plumage that blends seamlessly into its arid surroundings. The head and upperparts are adorned with a tawny hue, intricately patterned with black and creamy-white streaks and blotches. Its underparts are a pale creamy-white, accented with black streaks across the upper breast and delicate reddish-brown vermiculations on the lower breast and belly. The face is framed by a characteristic disc-like shape, edged with a dark rim, while the robust, hooked bill is a deep black. Small ear tufts crown the head of this owl, which measures between 46–50 cm (18–20 in) in length, placing it among the smaller species within the eagle-owl genus.

Identification Tips

When observing the Pharaoh eagle-owl, look for its large orange-yellow eyes that pierce through the twilight. The contrasting patterns of its plumage, along with the small ear tufts, aid in distinguishing it from other owl species. The two subspecies, the nominate Pharaoh eagle-owl (B. a. ascalaphus) and the desert eagle-owl (B. a. desertorum), can be differentiated by size and coloration, with the desert eagle-owl presenting a smaller stature and a paler, sandier complexion.

Habitat

This owl favors the open, arid landscapes dotted with rocky outcrops, plains, wadis, and cliffs. It thrives in environments that offer both the camouflage of its plumage and ample vantage points for hunting.

Distribution

The Pharaoh eagle-owl's domain stretches across northern Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Its African territories span from Mauritania and Morocco in the west, through the Sahel region, to Egypt in the east. It is also prevalent across the Middle East, with sightings in countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Israel, Jordan, and Iraq. The species is occasionally spotted as a vagrant in Senegal.

Behaviour

This nocturnal hunter emerges at dusk, patrolling an area roughly 5 km2 (1.9 sq mi) in search of prey. It is known to consume a variety of small animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and even insects like beetles and scorpions. Perched from a high point, the Pharaoh eagle-owl employs its keen senses to detect and swoop down upon unsuspecting prey.

Breeding

The Pharaoh eagle-owl is a monogamous creature, forming lifelong bonds with its mate. Breeding occurs in the late winter, with nests typically being simple scrapes in crevices or among rocks. The female lays two eggs and incubates them for about 31 days. Both parents are involved in rearing the chicks, which fledge the nest at around 20 to 35 days old but continue to depend on their parents for several months thereafter.

Conservation status

With a vast range and reported abundance in parts of its range, the Pharaoh eagle-owl is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It faces no significant threats that would endanger its population at this time.