Cape Eagle-Owl
Bubo capensis
Rocky valleys. Dark brown above with prominent ‘ear’ tufts; orange eyes; below buffy with brown and white blotching.
Owls
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Uncommon resident. A large brownish owl of stocky proportions. Easily confused with [Spotted Eagle-Owl], but differs in larger size, orange-yellow eyes (orange in immature) and heavily blotched underparts with bold barring; feet and talons larger. Birds in Zimbabwe and Mozambique (B. c. mackinderi) are larger than the southern race (B. c. capensis). Calls ‘HU-hu-hu’ or ‘HU-hu’, with emphasis on the first syllable; alarm call ‘wak-wak’. Pairs frequent valleys (in bush or grassland) with cliffs or rocks at the higher end, or grassland with rock outcrops and trees. Generally does not enter cities as [Spotted Eagle-Owl] commonly does.
Quick Facts
Size
48-55 cm - L
Names
A: Kaapse Ooruil
Z: isiKhovampondo
Ss: Mohwe
G: Kapuhu
Bird Family
Nocturnal, erect-standing birds of prey characterised by large, rounded heads, large forward-facing eyes set in a flattened face and feathered legs (except for Pel's Fishing-Owl). Some have feather adornments on their heads that resemble ears, but they are not used for hearing. Immatures are usually darker and fluffier than adults.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Pairs frequent valleys (in bush or 'grassland') with cliffs or rocks at the higher end, or 'grassland' with rock outcrops and trees.
