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Width
160.0 cm
Length
50.0 cm
Information
Scarce resident; breeds in Kuwait. Considered the “eagle-of-the-night”, this owl is now rare because its sensitive breeding sites are often disturbed by man. It breeds in wilderness areas such as near Kuwait’s border with Iraq. It hunts fairly large birds and mammals strictly under the cover of darkness.
Where in Kuwait
This species 'hides' during the day, but is generally found in arid habitats, including open desert plains, rocky outcrops, mountain cliffs and wadis.
In the world
It has an extremely large range with a stable population and is reported to be not uncommon in most of its range. Distributed throughout much of North Africa and the Middle East, subspecies Bubo ascalaphus ascalaphus occupies the northern part of this species range, being found in north-west Africa and northern Egypt, east to western Iraq. It is considered one of the smaller eagle-owl species and is a nocturnal species, the booming call of the male can often be heard at sunset, as foraging activity commences.
Local threats
Persecution, human disturbance, loss of habitat and pesticides