The name of Warwick Castle's new baby owl has been announced following a public competition.

Following the news the owl had been born at the castle on September 13, locals were invited to send in their suggestions for its name.

Staff said they fell in love with the name 'Bernie' - with the lucky winner of the competition also receiving a private falconry experience with the expert birds of prey team.

The bird will be hand-reared throughout the winter by expert falconers, led by Ben Kniveton who will train Bernie on the Warwick Castle grounds to prepare him for his debut in the UK's largest birds of prey show, The Falconer's Quest, in 2024. 

The Verreaux's Eagle Owl, more commonly known as a Milky Eagle Owl, originates from Africa.

While its fluffy appearance is hard to ignore at the moment, its most distinctive feature is its pink eyelids, which no other owl in the world has.

It will grow up to be up to 66cm in length, making it the largest owl species from Africa.

The Verreaux's Eagle Owl, more commonly known as a Milky Eagle Owl, originates from Africa (image by White Tiger PR)