Southern White-faced Owl
Ptilopsis granti
Woodland. All grey; white facial disc with black surround; eyes orange.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Largest of the small owls. Predominantly grey with orange eyes, a distinct white facial disc with broad black outline, ear-tufts and fine black streaking on underparts. The call, heard only at night, is an explosive, bubbling ‘b-b-b-b-b-bhooo’ repeated; at a distance only the ‘bhooo’ note is audible. Occurs singly or in pairs in woodland, riverine forests, mixed bushveld and thornveld, preferring drier regions with large trees. Moves into suburban areas in some years.
Quick Facts
Size
25-28 cm - M
Names
A: Witwanguil
Z: uMandubulu
Ss: Morubisi Wa Leramasweu
G: Weißgesicht-Ohreule
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
Occurs singly or in pairs in woodland, riverine 'forest's, mixed bushveld and thornveld, preferring drier regions with large trees.
