29 April 2019

Breeding Pharaoh Eagle Owl – Jubail area

I took a few photos recently of a nesting Pharaoh Eagle Owl. The bird had four young but when I was present only two were seen. A male was seen calling nearby so I did not stay long in order not to disturb the birds. The Pharaoh Eagle Owl is distributed throughout much of North Africa and the Middle East, with two recognised subspecies and the smaller, paler and sandier coloured Bubo ascalaphus desertorum appearing to be this subspecies. They are found in arid habitats, including open desert plains, rocky outcrops and broken escarpments and jabals, mountain cliffs and wadis. 
Pharaoh Eagle Owl

Pharaoh Eagle Owl

Pharaoh Eagle Owl - young

Pharaoh Eagle Owl - young