The Arabian eagle-owl is a true owl, of the family Strigidae, endemic to areas of the Arabian Peninsula, known from southwestern Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Primarily, the species is known from the coastal areas and slightly inland of the peninsula, seemingly avoiding the most barren of the region's desert interior. It nests in wadis, cliffs, on canyon walls, large palms and other trees.
Region
Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Saudi Arabia through Yemen and Oman to the UAE, primarily in coastal plains and adjacent interior foothills. It favors rocky slopes, cliffs, wadis, oasis margins, date plantations, and scattered acacia savanna. The species generally avoids the most featureless sand seas and hyper-arid interiors. Roosts by day in shaded rock niches or dense palms and hunts across open patches and along wadi edges at night.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This medium-sized eagle-owl is endemic to the Arabian Peninsula and is often associated with rocky wadis, escarpments, and coastal foothills while avoiding the most barren sand deserts. It is sometimes treated as closely related to, or formerly within, the Spotted Eagle-Owl complex, but many authorities now recognize it as a distinct species. Pairs nest on cliff ledges, canyon walls, or occasionally in large palms, and they often hunt near settlements and farms at night.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep, buoyant wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in monogamous pairs within defended territories. Nests on cliff ledges, canyon walls, or in large palms and occasionally in other trees; clutch usually 2–3 eggs. Young leave the nest ledge before full flight and may perch on nearby rocks while attended by adults.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives deep, resonant hoots, often in a two-note sequence, carrying far on calm nights. Females call at a slightly higher pitch, and both sexes may produce barks, growls, and hisses when alarmed.
