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January 2, 2016

2177 FRANCE (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) - Eurasian eagle-owl


The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), the only member of its genus in Europe besides the snowy owl, is one of the largest living species of owl, and also one of the most widely distributed. It is found in a number of habitats but is mostly a bird of mountain regions, coniferous forests, steppes and other relatively remote places.The nest is a scrape in which averages of two eggs are laid at intervals and which hatch at different times.

This bird has distinctive ear tufts, with upper parts that are mottled with darker blackish colouring and tawny and the wings and tail are barred. The underparts are a variably hued buff, streaked with darker colour. The facial disc is poorly developed and the orange eyes are distinctive. Females can grow to a total length of 75cm, with a wingspan of 188cm, males being slightly smaller. It is a mostly nocturnal predator, hunting for a range of different prey species, predominately small mammals.

About the stamp
The stamp is part of the series Happy Holidays, designed by PEF, and issued on June 30, 2015.

References
Eurasian eagle-owl - Wikipedia

Sender: Jean-Yves Gerlat
Sent from Le Desert d'Entremont (Rhône-Alpes / France), on 30.10.2015
Photo: Gilles Leblais

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