Pharaoh Eagle-Owl
Bubo ascalaphus
The Pharaoh Eagle-Owl is a striking owl of the Sahara and one of the most sought-after nocturnal birds in southern Morocco. Around the wider Merzouga and Rissani region, it is associated with rocky desert landscapes where cliffs, escarpments, ledges, and gorges provide suitable roosting and nesting places.
Habitat & Adaptation
Its sandy-brown plumage helps it blend into rock faces and desert slopes during the day. The species is well adapted to arid environments, using sheltered cavities and ledges for daytime roosting while remaining difficult to detect unless its resting place is known.
Nocturnal Behaviour & Hunting
The Pharaoh Eagle-Owl is mainly nocturnal. It becomes active around dusk and hunts after dark, using powerful hearing, keen vision, and silent flight to locate prey. Its diet can include small mammals, birds, reptiles, and large insects, depending on local availability.
Wildlife Photography
For wildlife photographers, the Pharaoh Eagle-Owl requires patience, distance, and strict respect for the bird. Photography is best carried out without approaching roosting or nesting sites too closely, especially during the breeding season.
Responsible Birding
During Birding Merzouga outings, local knowledge can help identify suitable rocky habitats while keeping disturbance to an absolute minimum. Responsible observation is especially important with owls because repeated close approaches can disrupt resting, hunting, or breeding behaviour.
A Secretive Desert Owl
The Pharaoh Eagle-Owl is a memorable desert specialist whose presence reveals a different side of Sahara birdlife after sunset. Learning about its habitat and nocturnal behaviour adds depth to understanding the wildlife of the rocky desert around Merzouga and Rissani.
Species Factsheet
Search for the Pharaoh Eagle-Owl
Explore suitable rocky desert habitats with Brahim as part of your Merzouga birdwatching experience, with a careful and responsible focus on the Pharaoh Eagle-Owl and other characteristic Sahara birds.