Cape Eagle-Owl

The Cape eagle-owl, a member of the Strigidae family, is a formidable bird of prey, occupying a niche among the larger species within the eagle-owl genus Bubo. With a commanding presence, this owl exhibits a dark brown plumage above, complemented by striking yellow or yellowish-orange eyes. Its ear-tufts are prominent, adding to its regal appearance.

Identification Tips

Adults range from 46 to 61 cm in length, with males weighing between 905 to 1,387 grams and females, slightly larger, ranging from 1,240 to 1,800 grams. The wing chord spans 34.3 to 41.8 cm, while the tail extends from 15.5 to 26.6 cm. Below, the owl is dark with blotchy brown sides on the breast and a paler chest adorned with white, black, and tawny-fulvous markings. The facial disc is a fulvous-brown, framed by a distinct black or dark brown border that widens towards the neck. Both wings and tail are barred with alternating light and dark brown. The toes and tarsi are densely feathered, with the little visible skin being brown above and yellowish below the feet.

Habitat

The Cape eagle-owl favors mountainous terrains and hilly regions with rocks for roosting, but it is also comfortable in adjacent woodlands, grasslands, and wooded gullies. Its habitat range extends from sea level to elevations of 2,500 meters.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the southernmost regions of southern Africa and parts of East Africa. It is not found in the southern Arabian Peninsula, a common misconception.

Behaviour

Nocturnal by nature, the Cape eagle-owl roosts during the day among rocks, in sheltered rock ledges, or in large rock crevices and caves. It may also roost in trees or on the ground amidst dense bushes. In urban environments, it has been known to roost in cities, often in pursuit of pigeons. The Cape eagle-owl is a solitary hunter, preying on a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Its hunting strategy involves gliding from perches to capture prey with its powerful talons or bill.

Song & Calls

The male's call is a powerful, explosive hoot, followed by a faint note, while the female's voice is similar but slightly higher pitched. During courtship, the male emits a trisyllabic cu-coo-cu and bows to the female. Both sexes and the young produce a range of vocalizations, from nasal begging calls to alarmed barking sounds.

Breeding

Breeding pairs may roost together, especially before the breeding season. The nest is typically a shallow scrape on a sheltered rock ledge, in a rock crevice, or on the ground under dense bushes. The female lays usually two white eggs and incubates them for 34 to 38 days, with the male providing food. The young are brooded and fed by the female, with the male delivering food. Chicks are cared for a total of 6 months and reach sexual maturity the following year.

Similar Species

The Cape eagle-owl has three subspecies: B. c. capensis, B. c. mackinderi, and B. c. dilloni. The latter two are sometimes considered separate species due to size and coloration differences.

Diet and Feeding

The Cape eagle-owl's diet is predominantly mammals, ranging from small rodents to hyraxes. It also consumes birds, reptiles, frogs, scorpions, crabs, and large insects. Mole rats are a favored prey item during the breeding season.

Conservation Status

The IUCN classifies the Cape eagle-owl as Least Concern, with a fairly large range and stable populations. However, nest predation, roadkills, and casualties due to power-wires and barbed wire are common threats, as is secondary poisoning from pesticides used on rodents.