Owl - Bubo Ascalaphus
The ascalaph eagle owl: Bubo ascalaphus or in Arabic Theys, Bourourou of the Strigidae family, is the largest owl in the North African region, massive with large egrets measuring up to 60-75 cm. Large yellow-orange eyes, with the upper parts of the body rufous-tawny and white throat, the rest of the underside of the body is a color varying from pale tawny-brown to sandy-brown.
The upper chest is covered with drop-shaped patterns and some cross-shaped bars. The ventral part bears more refined patterns in the form of streaks, the tarsi and feet are strongly feathered. Irises vary from yellow to dark orange. The cere is grayish, the beak black.
This large owl frequents rocky deserts, steppe areas, mountainous areas, and on the edge of oases.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl becomes active after sunset. During the day, it rests among the rocks, but also on the ground, it is often found inside a cliff crevice or at the entrance to a cave. It feeds mainly on small rodents, hares, hedgehogs, but also on reptiles, large insects and scorpions.
The clutch includes 2 to 4 white eggs which are deposited directly at the bottom of the nest without filling. During the entire incubation period which lasts 31 to 36 days, the female is supplied with food at the nest by her partner.
Sedentary nester and like all our raptors, the ascalaphe eagle owl is protected by Algerian legislation (Executive Decree No. 12-235 of May 24, 2012 establishing the list of protected non-domestic animal species).
The upper chest is covered with drop-shaped patterns and some cross-shaped bars. The ventral part bears more refined patterns in the form of streaks, the tarsi and feet are strongly feathered. Irises vary from yellow to dark orange. The cere is grayish, the beak black.
This large owl frequents rocky deserts, steppe areas, mountainous areas, and on the edge of oases.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl becomes active after sunset. During the day, it rests among the rocks, but also on the ground, it is often found inside a cliff crevice or at the entrance to a cave. It feeds mainly on small rodents, hares, hedgehogs, but also on reptiles, large insects and scorpions.
The clutch includes 2 to 4 white eggs which are deposited directly at the bottom of the nest without filling. During the entire incubation period which lasts 31 to 36 days, the female is supplied with food at the nest by her partner.
Sedentary nester and like all our raptors, the ascalaphe eagle owl is protected by Algerian legislation (Executive Decree No. 12-235 of May 24, 2012 establishing the list of protected non-domestic animal species).