Appearance: The Pharaoh Eagle Owl is a large and powerful owl with distinctive ear tufts on its head. It has piercing orange-yellow eyes, which stand out against its dark brown or reddish-brown facial disk. Its plumage is typically mottled in shades of brown and gray, providing excellent camouflage against desert landscapes.

Habitat: In Morocco, the Pharaoh Eagle Owl primarily inhabits rocky desert and semi-arid regions, including mountainous areas with sparse vegetation. It tends to favor rugged terrain with cliffs, canyons, and rocky outcrops where it can roost and nest.

Diet: As a top predator in its habitat, the Pharaoh Eagle Owl preys on a variety of small to medium-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Its diet may include rodents, hares, small birds, snakes, and insects like beetles and grasshoppers.

Behavior: The Pharaoh Eagle Owl is largely nocturnal, hunting primarily at night. It relies on its keen eyesight and excellent hearing to locate prey in the darkness. Like other owls, it is a silent flyer, thanks to the specialized structure of its feathers that minimize sound.

Breeding: Breeding typically occurs in the winter months, with pairs establishing territories and nesting sites in rocky crevices or abandoned nests of other birds. The female lays a clutch of eggs, usually between one to three, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Conservation: While the Pharaoh Eagle Owl is not considered globally threatened, habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, such as agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development, pose significant challenges to its survival. Conservation efforts focused on habitat protection and sustainable land management are essential for ensuring the continued presence of this magnificent owl in Morocco and beyond.