Largest owl

The European race of the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) is the world's largest owl with an average length of 66–71 cm (26–28 in), a weight of 1.6–4 kg (3 lb 8 oz–8 lb 13 oz) and a wingspan of more than 1.5 m (5 ft). It has been known to abduct small cats and other animals.

Eagle Owls will eat almost anything the moves – from beetles to roe deer fawns. The major part of their diet consists of mammals (such as rats, mice, foxes and hares), but birds of all kinds are also taken, including crows, ducks, grouse, seabirds, and even other birds of prey (including other owls). Other prey taken include snakes, lizards, frogs, fish, and crabs.

In comparison, the largest living bird is the North African ostrich Struthio camelus. Male examples of this flightless (ratite) bird sub-species have been recorded up to 2.75 m (9 ft) tall and weighing 156.5 kg (345 lb).

The average length of the Bubo bubo is approximately the same as the average height of a one-and-a-half-year-old child.