Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl

Fairly common resident. A large, uniformly grey owl; immature is browner. Large size makes confusion unlikely with any other owls except (B. c. mackinderi) race of [Cape Eagle-Owl], from which told by dark eyes and finely barred (not blotchy) underparts; and, given a quick view, [Pel’s Fishing-Owl], especially when roosting in tall riverine trees. Pink eyelids diagnostic but difficult to see in the field. Ear-tufts not always raised. Voice is a series of deep grunts ‘hu-hu-hu, hu-hu’; female and young utter a long, drawn-out whistle that may be repeated all night. Occurs singly in large trees in bushveld and open savanna, especially along rivers and watercourses.