
CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE |
Liberty is our Male Hand Reared Verreaux (Milky) Eagle
Owl.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY
Verreaux's Eagle-owl,
Bubo lacteus
(also known as the Milky Eagle Owl, Giant Eagle Owl), is a
member of the family Strigidae and is the largest African
owl. This owl is claimed to be the world's third largest
owl; after the Blakiston's Fish Owl and Eurasian Eagle Owl.
Verreaux's Eagle-owl ranges from 66–75 cm
(26-30 in) in length. This species can attain a wingspan 2 m
(6.5 ft) and weighs from 1600 to 3115 grams (equal to 3.5 to
7 pounds).
In appearance, they are distinguished by a whitish oval disk
face with a black border, pink eyelids,
orange eyes and two feather tufts on their ears. Their
feathers are dark brown on top and light grey below.
They are nocturnal birds and roost in tall trees. They sleep
lightly and will awaken very quickly to defend themselves
from attack in daylight hours.
They hunt in early evening. Full-grown owls
feed on hares, mongoose and many other small game animals.
They are one of the very few birds to feed on hedgehogs.
Near cities their prey include rats and pigeons.
Breeding takes place from March to September.
The female lays two eggs and incubates them for thirty-eight
days. She remains on the nest for the entire incubation
period while the male hunts for food for both of them. The
first egg to hatch is the first to be fed, and if food is
not plentiful only the first one hatched will be fed. If
food is abundant, both owlets will be fed. The chicks are
ready to leave the nest at nine weeks but may remain with
the parents for up to three months.
| Species |
Weight |
Hatch Date |
| |
|
|
|
Bubo Lacteus
|
t.b.c. |
18-04-2010 |
|