The National Aviary welcomed a new member of the family and is inviting guests to meet it.
The Eurasian eagle-owl chick hatched on March 15. It is the 10th chick hatched by parents X and Dumbledore.
“X and Dumbledore both came to the Aviary as juvenile owls and have spent the majority of their lives here,” said Cathy Schlott, director of animal programs and experiences for the National Aviary. “Similar to most birds, Eurasian eagle-owls can lay eggs at different periods throughout their lifetime. Every egg and incubation is different and not all eggs hatch or are fertile.”
Schlott said that the typical incubation period for an Eurasian eagle-owl egg lasts about 31 to 36 days.
Upon hatching, the chick weighed 55 grams, compared to a small lime. With Eurasian eagle-owls’ rapid growth cycle, it is expected to be fully grown by eight weeks old. A full-grown owl of that species can weigh up to nine pounds with a wing span of up to six and a half feet.
The chick’s gender is still undetermined. According to the National Aviary, there is no way to visually distinguish between male and female Eurasian eagle-owls, so a DNA feather test will be performed to determine the chick’s sex.
“The turnaround of results for a DNA feather test varies in length and time depending on a multitude of factors,” Schlott said. “The Eurasian eagle-owl’s expert care team at the Aviary will determine when to do a DNA feather test. As of now, their focus remains on this thriving chick’s utmost care, growth and development.”
Guests can get a look into the chick’s care during weekdays in the Aviary’s Avian Care Center window in The Charity Randall Foundation Eagle Hall. Schlott said that upon hatching, Eurasian eagle-owl chicks have white feathers. As the chick develops, it will grow golden and brown hued feathers. In a few months, the chick will develop fully-grown feathers.
The National Aviary is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. For tickets and updates on the chick, visit aviary.org.
