The Pharaoh eagle-owl is a Middle Eastern and North African species of owl in the family Strigidae.
Region
North Africa and the Middle East
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Sahara and Sahel margins, North African deserts, and into the Arabian Peninsula and the Levant. Prefers arid and semi-arid habitats with rocky outcrops, cliffs, wadis, and desert plains punctuated by oases. It also uses coastal deserts and sparsely vegetated foothills and plateaus. Roosts by day in shaded crevices or under overhangs and nests on ledges, in cavities, or on the ground among rocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A desert-adapted eagle-owl, it blends into rocky and sandy landscapes with its sandy-buff plumage. It often roosts in shade along wadis and oases and hunts at night for rodents, small birds, and reptiles. Its deep, far-carrying hoots are used for territory and pair duets. Two main subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration across North Africa and the Middle East.
Hunting at night in the desert near Baqaa, Saudi Arabia
Egg of the Pharaoh eagle-owl
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with silent, deep wingbeats; low, buoyant flight over terrain
Social Behavior
Typically forms monogamous pairs that defend territories centered on cliffs, wadis, or oases. Nests on rock ledges, in cavities, or on the ground among stones, often reusing sites for years. Roosts by day in shaded crevices and becomes active at dusk. Young disperse locally after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, far-carrying series of hoots, often given as paired notes by males and females in duet. Also produces barks, growls, and hisses near the nest. Calls are most frequent at dusk and pre-dawn.
