Bubo milesi
The Arabian Eagle-Owl, *Bubo milesi*, is a formidable and enigmatic raptor of the Arabian Peninsula's arid landscapes, closely related to the widespread Pharaoh Eagle-Owl (*Bubo ascalaphus*) and sometimes considered a distinct population or subspecies. This large owl measures approximately 45-50 cm (17.7-19.7 in) in length with an impressive wingspan of 110-120 cm (43-47 in) and can weigh between 1.75-2.95 kg (3.9-6.5 lb). Its plumage typically features sandy-buff to pale tawny tones, heavily...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid environments, including rocky deserts, wadis, cliffs, and stony plains, often at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,500 meters (8,200 ft).
Its diet consists mainly of small to medium-sized mammals such as rodents, jerboas, and hares, as well as a variety of birds, reptiles (lizards, snakes), and large insects, captured through ambush predation.
The Arabian Eagle-Owl is a strictly nocturnal and crepuscular predator, typically roosting in hidden rocky crevices, caves, or sheltered ledges during the day to escape the desert heat and potential disturbance. Its foraging strategy is primarily perch-and-pounce, scanning its surroundings from a...
The Arabian Eagle-Owl is a resident species primarily distributed across the Arabian Peninsula, extending into parts of the Middle East and northeastern Africa. Its core breeding range encompasses Saudi Arabia, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Jordan, and potentially parts of Syria, Iraq, and t...
Least Concern
- The Arabian Eagle-Owl's silent flight is due to specialized feather structures, allowing it to ambush prey without detection in the open desert. - Its large, forward-facing eyes are fixed in their sockets, requiring the owl to rotate its head up to 270 degrees in either direction to survey its ...