Eagle-owl (Bubo), a genus of large owls. The familiar disc of feathers round the ear is incomplete above, there is a large free tuft on each side, and the feathers on the legs extend down to the toes. The members of the genus are widely distributed, occurring in most parts of the world except Australia. The largest eagle-owl (B. maximus) has a wide range in Europe and Asia. It is a large and powerful bird, said sometimes to cope with the golden eagle, and to prey upon young deer; in length it may measure over two feet; the colour is rusty yellow, varied with brown and black; its voracity is excessive, and has made it an Ishmaelite among birds.
The loud weird cry has given origin to the German name Uhu, and has been the basis of many evil omens and superstitious terrors. Its favourite haunts are desolate and wooded rocky regions. The eagle-owl of America (B. virginianus), the Virginian Horned Owl, is somewhat smaller, but very bold and powerful. It carries off with ease almost any inhabitant of the poultry-yard. It is found in almost all parts of America. See OWL.