| any of several large owls of the genus Bubo, having prominent tufts of feathers on each side of the head, esp. B. bubo of Europe and Asia. |
| eagle owl n. A large Eurasian owl (Bubo bubo) having brownish plumage and prominent ear tufts. |
eagle owl
(Bubo bubo), bird of the family Strigidae (order Strigiformes), characterized by its large size (often 70 centimetres [about 2.3 feet] long), two tufts of feathers on the head (ear tufts), and large orange eyes. The overall coloration is tawny, mottled with brown, lighter below. The eagle owl roosts and breeds within rocky niches and hollow trees. At twilight it perches on a branch while searching its territory for prey, mainly rodents, hares, rabbits, and large game birds.
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