Least Concern Southern White-faced Owl
Ptilopsis granti
Also known as: White-faced Scops 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.
Did you know?
Despite its expressive face, this owl is a stealthy nocturnal hunter of insects and small vertebrates. Quick Facts
Detailed Information on the Southern White-faced Owl
Weight
0.22 kg
Height
24 cm
Length
25 cm
Wingspan
50 cm
Top Speed
30
km/h
Social Structure:
Solitary
Activity Pattern:
Nocturnal
Trophic Level: Carnivore
Migration: Resident
Population Trend: Stable
Main Threats:
- Habitat fragmentation
- Use of pesticides
Serengeti (Tanzania)
Etosha National Park (Namibia)
Family: Strigidae
Order: Strigiformes
