Fauna
Bird

Pharaoh Eagle-Owl

Bubo ascalaphus

Also known as Desert Eagle-Owl, Egyptian Eagle-Owl

Pharaoh eagle-owls are formidable desert predators that inhabit arid, rocky landscapes across North Africa and the Middle East. They emerge at dusk to hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles using keen night vision and virtually silent flight. Pairs form lifelong monogamous bonds and defend territories with deep, resonant hooting that echoes through desert canyons.

NocturnalDesert SpeciesRaptor
Pharaoh Eagle-Owl reference1 / 7
(c) TANAKA Juuyoh (田中十洋), some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGerbils, Jerboas, Desert hares
Predators
  • Golden eagles
  • Feral dogs
ThreatsHabitat degradation, secondary poisoning from rodenticides, vehicle collisions
HabitatsDeserts, rocky gorges, arid scrublands, wadis
Life span15–20 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyStrigidae
  2. SpeciesBubo ascalaphus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Possesses powerful talons and a sharp beak; observe from a safe distance.
What to notice
Recognize by sandy-ochre camouflage, small ear tufts, and prominent yellow eyes against rocky ledges.
Support conservation
Keep a generous distance from active nesting cliffs during spring and avoid using audio playback.
Responsible observation
  • Scanning Cliffs: Search rocky ledges and cliff faces at dusk when hunting begins.
  • Listening for Calls: Listen for deep, soft hooting reverberating through desert wadis shortly after sunset.
  • Maintaining Distance: Use binoculars or a spotting scope to avoid flushing nesting pairs from ledges.
Related species
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