Have you ever thought about the kind of owls that dwell in Africa? Owls in Africa are the kind of enigmatic and magical birds that are not found anywhere else on Earth. The continent is the native place of many owl species, and they are all diverse and have unpredictable characteristics and behaviors.
Birds such as the secretive African Grass Owl or the mighty Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl are vital in the ecological equilibrium of the environment. In this article, we are going to talk about the various species of owls living in Africa.
We will discuss their features, surroundings, and the fun youngest all. Picking up from where we left off the last time, you will find detailed information about the African continent’s rare bird species.
Introduction to African Owls – Rare Facts, Photos & Where to Find Them:
Africa has more than 30 species of owls, among them, are the little owlets which are quite flexible, and the larger, stronger eagle-owls. The birds of prey that fly at night are nocturnal animals that rely on their sharp eyes, silent flight, and strong talons to catch their prey in the dark.
Even though owls are believed to live in woods, they occur also in grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and even in urban areas. They, thus, become the most common avian species in the continent. We must now discuss some of the most famous owl species discovered in Africa.
20 Types of Owls You Need to See – Rare, Beautiful & Mysterious:
Africa is the world’s continent with over 30 unique owl species. One species always is different from the other, from its color to the way it catches its prey. As the following, owls are found in Africa and the most significant ones are highlighted below.
1. African Grass Owl
The African Grass Owl (Tyto capensis) is a medium-sized owl that prefers dense grasslands.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 40 cm (16 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 100 cm (39 inches).
- Features: Slim body, long legs, heart-shaped facial disc.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
- Prefers tall grass and wetlands.
- Feeds on small rodents and birds.
2. African Barn Owl
The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is one of the most widespread owl species in Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 38 cm (15 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 110 cm (43 inches).
- Features: White heart-shaped facial disc, golden-brown upperparts.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in farmlands, woodlands, and urban areas.
- Hunts rodents, helping control pests.
- Uses abandoned buildings and tree hollows for nesting.
3. Verreaux’s eagle owl (Largest African Owl)
The Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus), also called the Giant Eagle-Owl, is the largest owl species in Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 66 cm (26 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 140 cm (55 inches).
- Features: Large size, pink eyelids, powerful talons.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in woodlands, riverbanks, and rocky areas.
- Feeds on hares, rodents, birds, and even small monkeys.
- Frequently seen in pairs, indicating strong bonding behavior.
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4. Pearl-Spotted Owlet
The Pearl-Spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) is a small but vocal owl.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 20 cm (8 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 45 cm (18 inches).
- Features: White spots on brown feathers, large yellow eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in open woodlands and savannas.
- Hunts insects, lizards, and small rodents.
- Active both day and night.
5. Marsh Owl
The Marsh Owl (Asio capensis) thrives in wetland environments.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 36 cm (14 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 100 cm (39 inches).
- Features: Dark brown plumage, bright yellow eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in marshes, swamps, and open grasslands.
- Hunts rodents and small birds.
- Silent flyer, making it a stealthy predator.
6. Southern White-Faced Owl
The Southern White-Faced Owl (Ptilopsis granti) is a striking species.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 28 cm (11 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 70 cm (27 inches).
- Features: White facial disc, bright orange eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in dry woodlands and savannas.
- Preys on insects, rodents, and small birds.
- Known for dramatic defensive displays.
7. Northern White-Faced Owl
The Northern White-Faced Owl (Ptilopsis leucotis) is closely related to the Southern White-Faced Owl but is found in West and Central Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 30 cm (12 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 75 cm (29 inches).
- Features: Pale gray facial disc, large orange eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in savannas and dry woodlands.
- Feeds on insects, rodents, and small reptiles.
- Uses camouflage and defensive postures to deter predators.
8. Spotted Eagle-Owl
The Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus) is one of the most common owls in southern Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 45 cm (18 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 100 cm (39 inches).
- Features: Yellow eyes, spotted plumage, ear tufts.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in rocky areas, savannas, and grasslands.
- Hunts rodents, birds, and large insects.
- Frequently spotted near urban areas.
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9. African Scops Owl
The African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis) is a tiny, well-camouflaged owl found across the continent.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 20 cm (8 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 45 cm (18 inches).
- Features: Gray-brown plumage, small ear tufts.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in woodlands and savannas.
- Hunts insects and small vertebrates.
- Uses cryptic coloration to blend into tree bark.
10. Sokoke Scops Owl
The Sokoke Scops Owl (Otus ireneae) is a rare and critically endangered species.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 16 cm (6 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 40 cm (16 inches).
- Features: Small size, brownish-gray plumage.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found only in the coastal forests of Kenya and Tanzania.
- Feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
- Difficult to spot due to its elusive nature.
11. Pel’s Fishing Owl
Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli) is one of the few owls that hunt fish instead of mammals.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 60 cm (24 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 150 cm (59 inches).
- Features: Tawny-brown plumage, large dark eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found along rivers, lakes, and swamps.
- Preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.
- Has dense, soft feathers for stealthy hunting over water.
12. Cape Eagle-Owl
The Cape Eagle-Owl (Bubo capensis) is a powerful nocturnal hunter.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 50 cm (20 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 120 cm (47 inches).
- Features: Large yellow eyes, dark mottled feathers.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in rocky outcrops and cliffs.
- Hunts rodents, birds, and small mammals.
- Prefers solitary hunting at night.
13. Akun Eagle-Owl
The Akun Eagle-Owl (Bubo leucostictus) is a forest-dwelling species.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 50 cm (20 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 115 cm (45 inches).
- Features: Brown plumage, white throat patch.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in West African rainforests.
- Feeds on insects, reptiles, and small birds.
- Uses low, deep hoots to communicate.
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14. Fraser’s Eagle-Owl
Fraser’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo poensis) is a rare owl of the African rainforest.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 48 cm (19 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 110 cm (43 inches).
- Features: Deep brown feathers, yellow eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in dense rainforests of West and Central Africa.
- Hunts rodents, birds, and insects.
- Calls are low, hooting sounds.
15. Tawny Owl
The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is a medium-sized owl found in North Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 40 cm (16 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 100 cm (39 inches).
- Features: Brown plumage, round face.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in forests and wooded areas.
- Feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects.
- Known for its melancholic hooting call.
16. Mottled Owl
The Mottled Owl (Strix virgata) is a medium-sized owl known for its distinct feather patterns.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 38 cm (15 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 90 cm (35 inches).
- Features: Mottled brown and white plumage, large round eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in forests and woodland areas.
- Feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects.
- Known for its deep, resonant hoots at night.
17. Maned Owl
The Maned Owl (Jubula lettii) is a rare and little-known species found in African rainforests.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 45 cm (18 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 100 cm (39 inches).
- Features: Dark brown feathers, distinctive fluffy “mane” around the head.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in dense forests of Central and West Africa.
- Hunts rodents, reptiles, and insects.
- Extremely difficult to spot due to its secretive nature.
18. Usambara Eagle-Owl
The Usambara Eagle-Owl (Bubo vosseleri) is an extremely rare and localized species found only in Tanzania.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 50 cm (20 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 115 cm (45 inches).
- Features: Large body, dark mottled feathers, powerful talons.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in Usambara Mountain forests.
- Feeds on mammals, birds, and insects.
- Known for its deep, booming calls during the night.
19. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is one of the few daytime-active owls in Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 40 cm (16 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 105 cm (41 inches).
- Features: Small ear tufts, yellow eyes, streaked brown plumage.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in grasslands, wetlands, and open savannas.
- Hunts rodents, birds, and insects.
- Displays erratic flight patterns when searching for prey.
20. Long-Eared Owl
The Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) is a migratory owl that occasionally appears in Africa.
Characteristics
- Length: Up to 40 cm (16 inches).
- Wingspan: Can reach 110 cm (43 inches).
- Features: Long, prominent ear tufts, yellow eyes.
Habitat & Behavior
- Found in woodlands and open landscapes.
- Hunts small mammals and birds.
- Uses low, hooting calls to communicate over long distances.
Grass Owl vs Barn Owl – Side-by-Side Comparison & Photos:
Desert Grass Owl and American Barn Owl are two species that seem to have many things in common initially. In fact, they are quite different in terms of size, the location where they live, and the behavior they show. Check Out Below What The Fact Actually About These Two Birds Is.
| Feature | African Grass Owl | African Barn Owl |
| Size | Slightly larger | More compact |
| Facial Disc | White with dark edges | Pure white |
| Habitat | Tall grasslands | Farmlands, woodlands |
| Nesting | Ground nests in thick grass | Uses tree hollows & buildings |
Key Differences Explained:
Size:
The African Grass Owl is barely larger and more extended, while the Barn Owl is rather compact.
Facial Disc:
The Grass Owl’s facial disc sometimes has bluish-gray edges, besides the fact that the Barn Owl has a pure white facial disc.
Habitat:
The African Grass Owl lives in the grassland where the grass is taller and uses it to hide from dangers and be able to live. On the other hand, the Barn Owl is often found at farmlands and woodlands, mostly next to people’s homes.
Nesting:
The African Grass Owl hatches its eggs in the grassy environment, which helps in camouflage. Barn Owls prefer to nest in tree hollows or abandoned buildings.
Owls in Africa Under Threat – Conservation Challenges & Solutions:
Owls are animals that effectively control rodent populations, thereby keeping the environment in check. However, the decrease in the population of species caused by habitat destruction, human activities, and climate change, in some cases, has outweighed the positive influence of these birds.
Conservation Challenges for Owls of Africa:
Owl is one of the important taxa representing Anopidae in African biodiversity. Therefore, the several conservation challenges surrounding the nocturnal wild-caught animals in Africa should be presented in the following categories.
- Habitat Destruction – Owl habitats are being lost due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization. Therefore, nesting sites are lost and hunting grounds are also no longer accessible.
- Pesticide Use and Poisoning – Birds such as African Barn Owl who have eaten poisoned rodents are victims of secondary poisoning, a direct cause of poisoning.
- Superstitions and Persecution – Tradition and belief in bad omens, evil spirits, therefore, lighting scares or even being afraid of witches among the people is the main cause of the pointless deaths.
- Climate Change – Atmospheric temperatures and rainfall rates are shifting which in turn are altering the availability of potential prey and the quality of nesting sites. As a result, the Sokoke Scops Owl is facing extinction.
- Light Pollution and Urbanization – The artificial light sources are distracting the nocturnal birds from chasing lesser bugs as well as the city pollution which has eliminated their nesting ground like the forest crevices and discarded buildings.
Conservation Efforts to Protect Owls of Africa:
The best approach to counter this is the formation of reserves, the implementation of new social programs such as reforesting the older degraded areas, and practicing sustainable farming.
- Nesy Boxes: Barn Owl nest boxes and informing the farmers about the hazards of rodenticide, helping them in fact, to use the natural way of pest control with the help of the owls (Barn) constitute some of the ways used to diminish pesticide use.
- Community Awareness and Education – Belongs to be moved out of the circle of superstitions-they are lies-not even one is true. Also, farmers should be educated on the positive functions of owls and their ability to control pests.
- Research and Monitoring – Research is critically important in that one can rely on the findings that result from population analyses, threats management, and research to make changes in conservation policies.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation Programs – Safe for owls that are sick or poisoned, they are being rescued, rehabilitated, and then released back into the wild.
FAQs:
What Myth Is Associated With Owls In Africa?
In many African cultures, owls are considered to be the symbols of something evil either death, bad luck, or witchcraft. This has made people avoid and kill these birds and are thus endangered. Some people look at the owl’s call as an energy that announces a bad omen and others see it as the messenger of the world of spirits.
Do The Owls Live In The African Savanna?
Indeed, the Spotted eagle owl and Verreaux’s eagle owl are the names of a couple that dwell in the savanna of Africa. These particular types of owls have found their way to the savanna. They are the ones who accept the rodent population to keep it sustainable so the savanna can exist.
Are There Any Owls Left In Africa?
It is a fact that Africa has conservation areas of over thirty species of owls, through forests, grasslands, wetlands, and cities. Owls, being adaptable creatures, have also come up with ways to live in very diverse habitats from very lush and thick rainforests to forest areas that are almost like deserts.
Which Is The Biggest Owl In Africa?
The largest type of owl in Africa is the Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus) and it can stand as tall as a person with a big wingspan of about 140 cm (55 inches). You can easily tell it apart from other birds by its big size, pink eyelids, and spooky hoot called across the night.
Conclusion:
To educate others about the issues facing the owls and to think about the strategies we can use to solve the component of that is to already be aware of the matter.
Through engaging in background preservation and educating people in the community about the harmful effects of pesticides and the necessity of population control, each project will contribute to the cause.
This can be done through the promotion of awareness campaigns of the conservation program, thereby making it possible for the African owls to remain in their natural habitats without fear for the next generations.