Best time to travel to Belgium

Owl Breeding Season in Belgium

Birdwatchers flock to Belgium every spring to observe Tengmalm’s Owl and the Eagle Owl

Best time: March–May

Owl Breeding Season

Belgium is known for two species of owls that nest and breed in Wallonia. However, aside from their preference for the French-speaking parts of the country and the same springtime breeding season, Tengmalm’s Owl and the Eagle Owl have little in common.

Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus) is a small nocturnal bird. Males reach up to 24-26 cm (10 in) and weight around 100 g (0,22 lb). As a rule, these owls inhabit coniferous forests (mixed with leaf trees) covering the low mountain areas. For breeding, they choose boreal zones and alpine forests. Hence, the best place to observe Tengmalm’s Owl is Wallonia, namely—the Ardennes. The highest chances of an encounter with the owl are high in the province of Liege. Deep forests surround the municipalities of Stavelot and Trois-Ponts (especially the villages of Wanne and Logbiermé). In March, these areas give shelter to hundreds of Tengmalm’s Owls.

Meanwhile, the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) prefers to breed in the valley of the Meuse River instead of the dense forests of the Ardennes. This owl is much bigger than Tengmalm’s: males may reach up to 65 cm (25,6 in) and weight up to 3 kg (6,6 lb). During spring, Eagle Owls occupy quarries along the Meuse River to nest and breed. Notably, the owls choose not only both abandoned quarries but also those that are still working.

Generally, the nesting and breeding season for both may start as early as February and end as late as July, but the best time is between March and May/June.

Practical info

When is the best time to observe Tengmalm's Owl and Eagle Owl in Belgium?

Tengmalm’s Owls and Eagle Owls breed in Belgium between February and July, with the best time to observe them being March to May or June. The former species is attracted to Wallonia's boreal zones and alpine forests, while the latter prefers to breed in quarries found along the Meuse River. Show more

Where is the best place in Belgium to observe Tengmalm's Owl?

To observe Tengmalm’s Owls, visitors are advised to visit the deep forests surrounding the municipalities of Stavelot and Trois-Ponts located in the Ardennes. The province of Liege is the area with the highest chance of spotting the birds, with Wanne and Logbiermé villages providing the best opportunities for sightings. Show more

Where is the preferred breeding location for the Eagle Owl in Belgium?

The preferred nesting location for the Eagle Owl is the valley of the Meuse River, and rarely the Ardennes dense forests. Quarries, both operational and abandoned, are ideal nesting habitats for the species during the breeding season around springtime. Habitats located within the province of Namur provide visitors with an avenue to observe the species in Belgium. Show more

How big can Tengmalm's Owl and Eagle Owl get?

While Tengmalm’s Owl is a small nocturnal bird, with males growing to 24-26 cm (10 in), and weighing around 100 g (0,22 lb), the Eagle Owl is fairly more substantial. Males of the latter species are much larger, growing up to 65 cm (25,6 in), and could weigh up to 3 kg (6,6 lb). The two species have a shared breeding season in common but differ significantly in size. Show more

What type of forests do Tengmalm's Owl prefer to inhabit in Belgium?

Tengmalm’s Owl thrives in forests with coniferous trees mixed with leaf trees across low mountain areas. In particular, this bird species prefers alpine forests and boreal zones in Belgium, making Wallonia's Ardennes Forest a logical flagship habitat for the species. Visitors who want to see them will have to look out for such forest cover as they explore the region. Show more

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Last updated: by Dari Vasiljeva