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Birds
Verreaux's eagle-owl
Verreaux's eagle-owl · Ketupa lactea
The rare Verreaux's eagle-owl watches over Africa’s nights with pale eyes and appears mysteriously in the savannas and forests.
Fact file
- Size
- 55 to 66 cm body length, wingspan up to 1.6 metres, weight up to 2 kg
- Males and females
- Females are usually slightly larger and heavier than males
- Sounds
- Deep, grunting call at short intervals, mainly at night
- Diet
- Birds, small mammals, amphibians, insects and occasionally carrion
- Offspring
- Usually two white eggs, breeding season around the dry season, both parents raise the young
How to identify Verreaux's eagle-owl
The Verreaux's eagle-owl is striking with its pale, cream-coloured plumage and distinctive white facial disc. The dark edges around its eyes are particularly noticeable and give it a serious expression. The prominent, heavily feathered ear tufts and the pale pinkish beak make it unmistakable.
With an impressive wingspan of up to 1.60 metres, the Verreaux's eagle-owl is one of Africa’s largest eagle-owls. Its bulky body, broad head and powerful talons create a characteristic silhouette on a branch. The dark, almost black eyes stand out clearly against the pale face.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- 2 places where you can see Verreaux's eagle-owl
Where Verreaux's eagle-owl live
Botswana
Namibia
South Africa
Discover Verreaux's eagle-owl on your trip.
The app shows you where and when to see wildlife along your route.
