Eurasian eagle-owl

The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) belongs to the order Strigiformes and the family Strigidae. As a apex predator, it plays a vital role in natural ecosystems. While it is not a primary pest of cultivated plants, its role in agricultural landscapes is characterized by predatory behavior that may interfere with farm management and poultry operations, leading to its classification as a nuisance species in specific settings.

The biological life cycle of the eagle-owl involves sedentary habits and strong territorial behavior, with nesting typically starting in late winter or early spring. They are opportunistic hunters that rely on a varied diet, including rodents and small mammals. Because they frequently hunt along forest edges bordering arable land, their territory often overlaps with managed agricultural areas.

The damage caused by these birds is indirect rather than consumption-based. When hunting for prey, these large owls may physically disturb crops during flight maneuvers or impact poultry farms by posing a threat to livestock. Unlike phytophagous pests, their primary impact is on the animal component of the farm environment, causing stress and potential losses in bird-rearing facilities.

Eagle-owls frequent pastures, cereal fields, and semi-natural landscapes. Since they are protected species in many jurisdictions, lethal control is rarely permitted or ethical. Management strategies focus on creating unfavorable hunting conditions or protecting vulnerable livestock through structural improvements and sound-based deterrents.

Recommended management measures for farmers include:

• Deploying visual deterrents like holographic reflective tapes or rotating predator-mimicking decoys.
• Installing sonic repellent systems that disrupt the bird's hunting focus.
• Constructing fully enclosed or roofed enclosures for poultry to prevent owl predation.
• Maintaining clear fields to reduce the availability of shelter for prey animals, thereby making the area less attractive to owls.