Western Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Diverse habitats. Whitish heart-shaped facial disc; pale, spotted underparts; grey and tawny spotted upperparts.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. A pale, slimly built owl with heart-shaped facial disc and whitish underparts. Told from [African Grass Owl] by paler upper parts. The call is an eerie, wavering screech. Occurs singly or in pairs in a variety of habitats, roosting and breeding in large trees, caves, buildings and [Hamerkop] nests; common in suburbia.
Quick Facts
Size
30-33 cm - M
Names
A: Nonnetjie-uil
Z: umZwelele
Ss: Sephooko Sa Hae
G: Schleiereule
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 a variety of habitats, roosting and breeding in large trees, caves, buildings and [Hamerkop] nests; common in suburbia.
