Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend is stable, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is moderately small, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The species is locally common (Kirwan and Boesman 2021), although the population has been considered to be as small as 2,000 pairs (Jennings 2010); 800 pairs in Saudi Arabia, 900 pairs in Yemen, 300 pairs in Oman, and an unknown, but small number in the UAE. This roughly converts to 4,000 mature individuals. Given the absence of any pervasive threats, it is possible the population numbers higher; however, to account for the fact that the species procures a localised distribution (per eBird 2022), the population is nevertheless suspected to number less than 10,000 mature individuals, placed here in the band of 4,000-9,999 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
The species is confined to well-wooded wadis, open woodland, rocky hills, ravines, and sometimes near habitation and rock crevices (Kirwan and Boesman 2021). It occurs at elevations from sea level to 2,000 m. The presence of water seems to be highly important for this species. It feeds mostly on invertebrates such as beetles, mantids and grasshoppers, but may occasionally feed on locusts, birds, and amphibians (Kirwan and Boesman 2021).
The species is susceptible to roadkill (Kirwan and Boesman 2021), albeit, this is not thought to cause any significant impact.
Conservation Actions Underway
There are no known conservation actions towards this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor population trends. Monitor potential threats and their possible impacts.
Text account compilers
Fernando, E.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Species factsheet: Arabian Eagle-owl Bubo milesi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/arabian-eagle-owl-bubo-milesi on 09/01/2025.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2025) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 09/01/2025.