African Wood Owl

The African wood owl, known scientifically as Strix woodfordii, is a medium-sized owl with a characteristic rounded head akin to its relatives, the Palearctic tawny owl and the Holarctic great grey owl. It boasts large, dark eyes framed by striking white eyebrows, and a white belly adorned with brown bars. The bird's plumage is a rich brown with lighter underparts, though its appearance can vary across its range. This owl measures between 30.5 to 35 cm in length and tips the scales at 240 to 350 grams.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the African wood owl, look for its large dark eyes and the distinctive white eyebrows that give it a rather stern appearance. The white belly with brown barring is also a key feature. Its rich brown plumage may vary, but the overall size and shape are consistent with the Strix genus.

Habitat

The African wood owl is a denizen of forests and woodlands, but it is also known to adapt to life in plantations. It is a creature of the night, strictly nocturnal in its habits.

Distribution

This owl is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, with four recognized subspecies:

• Strix woodfordii woodfordii inhabits southern Angola to South Africa and east to Botswana.
• Strix woodfordii nuchalis ranges from Senegal and Gambia to Uganda and northern Angola, including Bioko.
• Strix woodfordii umbrina is found in Ethiopia and eastern South Sudan.
• Strix woodfordii nigricantior lives from southern Somalia to Kenya, south to Tanzania, and in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Zanzibar.

Behaviour

The African wood owl is a master of the night, hunting mostly insects, but also reptiles, small mammals, and other birds, which it catches by swooping from a perch. It roosts during the day, singly or in pairs, in dense foliage high in the trees. Its nocturnal calls begin after dusk.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a series of rapid, clear hoots, while the female responds with higher-pitched, more leisurely hoots. This duet is reminiscent of the tawny owl's vocalizations.

Breeding

Breeding season for the African wood owl spans from July to October. The female lays 1 to 3 eggs in a tree hollow, and incubation commences with the first egg, leading to asynchronous hatching. If food is scarce, the phenomenon of siblicide may occur. Incubation lasts about 31 days, and five weeks post-hatching, the young are ready to leave the nest. They achieve flight two weeks later and remain with their parents for approximately four months, sometimes staying until the subsequent breeding season.

Similar Species

While the African wood owl may resemble other members of the Strix genus, its distinctive call and the white eyebrows are helpful in distinguishing it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The African wood owl's diet is primarily composed of insects, but it will also consume reptiles, small mammals, and birds. It typically hunts by perching and swooping down on its prey.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the African wood owl as Least Concern, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its survival.