E A G L E -O W L .
Bubo maximus, Fleming
EAGLE-OWL.
BUBO MAXIMUS, Fleming.
Bubo maximus, Fleming, Brit. An. p. 57 (1828); Macg. iii.
p. 428; Hewitson, i. p. 50.
Strix bubo, Naum. i. p. 440.
Bubo ignavus, Yarr. ed. 4, i. p. 168; Dresser, v. p. 339.
Hibou Grand due, French; Uhu, Bergeule, Grossherzog,
German; Buho grande, Buho real, Spanish.
Several instances are on record of the occurrence of
this grand bird in Great Britain, but it is very probable
that some of these may refer to “ escapes ” from captivity,
though, indeed, many of the wilder parts of our
country are eminently well suited to the habits of the
Eagle-Owl, which is more or less common in mountainous
and forest districts throughout the continent of Europe.
In Epirus we frequently met with it during our shooting
excursions, and still more often heard its sonorous
call, which is well represented by its common German
name above given. In the sierras of Spain, too, the
present species may be called abundant, and may often
be heard on the Bock of Gibraltar, whence I once
obtained a living specimen.
The Eagle-Owl, in common with most of its family,
remains in concealment in the fissures and caves of