Verreaux's eagleowl (Bubo lacteus), also commonly known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, is a member of the family Strigidae. This species is widespread in subSaharan Africa. A member of the genus Bubo, it is the largest African owl. This eagleowl is a resident primarily of dry, wooded savanna. Verreaux's eagleowl is mainly grey in color and is distinguishable from other large owls by its bright pink eyelids, a feature shared with no other owl species in the world.
Verreaux's eagleowl is a highly opportunistic predator equipped with powerful talons. Just over half of its known diet is composed of mammals but equal or even greater numbers of birds and even insects may be hunted locally, along with any other appropriately sized prey that is encountered. As a large, highly territorial species of owl, it does, occur at fairly low densities and some regional declines have been reported.
The common name commemorates the French naturalist Jules Verreaux.