Spotted Eagle-Owl
Bubo africanus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernAves · Strigiformes · Strigidae
About
The spotted eagle-owl, also known as the African spotted eagle-owl and the African eagle-owl, is a medium-sized species of owl, one of the smallest of the eagle owls. Its length is 45 cm (18 in) and its weight is from 454 to 907 grams. It has a 100 to 140 cm wingspan. The facial disk is off-white to pale ochre and the eyes are yellow. It has prominent ear-tufts, and the upper body is dusky brown, the lower parts off-white with brown bars. Prior to 1999 the spotted eagle-owl was considered conspecific with the greyish eagle-owl, but now it is classed as a separate species.
Fun Fact
Spotted eagle-owls are one of the most adaptable owl species in Africa, readily nesting on building ledges and flat rooftops in cities from Cape Town to Nairobi.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Rocky outcrops and open woodland
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
10-15 years
Threats
- Deforestation
- Wildfire