The Eurasian eagle-owl is found in many habitats, but is mostly a bird of mountainous regions or other rocky areas, often those near varied woodland edge and shrubby areas both with openings and/or wetlands to hunt a majority of their prey. Additionally, they inhabit coniferous forests, steppes, and other areas at varied elevations that are typically relatively remote. Eurasian eagle-owls are occasionally found amongst farmland and in park-like settings within European cities, even rarely within busier urban areas. This eagle-owl is a mostly nocturnal predator, hunting for a range of different prey species. Predominantly, their diet is comprised by small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, but they also prey on larger mammals and birds of varying sizes. More secondary prey can include reptiles, amphibians, fish, large insects and other assorted invertebrates. The species typically breeds on cliff ledges, in gullies, among rocks, or in other concealed locations. The nest is a scrape containing a clutch of two eggs typically, which are laid at intervals and hatch at different times. The female incubates the eggs and broods the young, and the male provides food for her, and when they hatch, for the nestlings, as well. Continuing parental care for the young is provided by both adults for about five months. At least 12 subspecies of the Eurasian eagle-owls are described.