Southern White-faced Owl
The Southern White-faced Owl is a small but striking owl native to the African savannah, known for its vivid white facial disc framed by black borders. It is famous for its 'transformer' defence mechanism: when threatened, it can either fluff up its feathers to look huge or pull them in tight to resemble a thin tree branch, depending on the size of the aggressor.
Southern White-faced Owl Quick Facts
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Despite its expressive face, this owl is a stealthy nocturnal hunter of insects and small vertebrates.
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Lifespan
8-12 years
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Habitat
Savannas, woodlands, and scrub
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Diet
Insects, small mammals, birds
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Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
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