Pharaoh Eagle Owl Summary
Pharaoh Eagle Owl {Bubo ascalaphus}
Typical viewing of a Pharaoh Eagle Owl Dubai UAE
Here is some information about the distribution, habits, breeding, food, and lifespan of the Pharaoh eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus):
Distribution:
The Pharaoh eagle-owl is native to a wide range of regions, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Its habitat typically includes open arid areas with rocky outcrops, plains, wadis, and cliffs.
PEO launching itself off a sand dune Dubai UAE
I found this beautiful PEO glaring at me in some sandstone Dubai UAE
Habits:
The Pharaoh eagle-owl is nocturnal and emerges at dusk to hunt. It can cover an area of about 5 square kilometers (1.9 square miles) while hunting.
This owl species is known to perch on elevated spots to watch and listen for prey before swooping down to capture it.
Breeding Habits:
The Pharaoh eagle-owl is monogamous and forms lifelong pair bonds.
Female PEO on her brood patch
Breeding usually occurs in late winter.
The female lays two-3 eggs in a scrape nest located in a under the roots of the local Ghaf trees, in a crevice or among rocks.
The most vulnerable time for these PEO Chicks
Incubation lasts for about 31 days and is primarily carried out by the female.
Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which leave the nest at around 20 to 35 days old.
These two chicks are around 40 days old
However, they remain dependent on their parents for several more months.
Food:
The Pharaoh eagle-owl has a varied diet, feeding on small creatures it can find in its habitat.
Cheeseman’s Gerbil there are enough of them in the desert to keep the PEO population well fed
Prey items include mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, beetles, and scorpions.
Lesser Egyptian Jerboa definitely not an easy meal to catch by all means
Lifespan:
The lifespan of the Pharaoh eagle-owl in the wild can vary but is estimated to be around 10 to 15 years.
In captivity, they may live longer due to the absence of natural threats and access to proper care and nutrition.
Overall, the Pharaoh eagle-owl is well-adapted to its arid habitat, showcasing unique habits, breeding behaviors, dietary preferences, and a lifespan suited to its ecological niche.
PEO taking off from some sandstone
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