Milky Eagle Owl
Bubo lacteus
One of the world's larger owls, also called Verreaux's eagle-owl, with bare pink eyelids that show when it blinks.
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About the Milky Eagle Owl
Milky eagle owls, also called Verreaux's eagle-owls, live across much of Africa, in savannas and open woodlands, except the northern deserts and densest forests. They hunt mostly at night and catch almost any small or medium-sized animal. Soft, hair-like edges on their feathers make their flight nearly silent, and huge eyes help them see in very low light.[1]
Quick facts
- Scientific name
- Bubo lacteus[1]
- Diet
- Carnivore. Almost any small to medium-sized animal.[1]
- Habitat
- Savannas and open woodlands.[1]
- Where it lives
- Much of Africa, except the northern deserts and the densest forests.[1]
- Group life
- Pairs often stay together for years. Mostly active at night.[1]
- Babies
- Two eggs a year; usually one chick survives.[1]
- Conservation status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List, Verreaux's eagle-owl, assessed 2016).[2]
Fun facts
Vocabulary
- nocturnal
- Active at night and resting during the day.
- talon
- A sharp, curved claw on a bird of prey's foot.
- depth perception
- The ability to judge how far away something is.
- ear tuft
- A clump of feathers on an owl's head that looks like ears but isn't.
- raptor
- A bird of prey with sharp talons and a hooked beak.
See it in person
- Zoo AtlantaAtlanta, Georgia · All AnimalsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗
These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.
Sources
- [1] Zoo Atlanta. “Milky Eagle Owl.” https://zooatlanta.org/animal/milky-eagle-owl/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [2] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Bubo lacteus (Verreaux's Eagle-owl).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22688986/93212982 (accessed 2026-10-02)
Facts last checked 2026-10-02.
