Photos

(aka: Verreaux's Eagle-owl)

Kruger National Park – South Africa

This African owl is claimed to be the world's third largest owl.
Verreaux's Eagle-owl ranges from 66–75 cm in length. This species can attain a wingspan 2 m and weighs from 1600 to 3115 grams. In appearance, they are distinguished by a whitish oval disk face with a black border, pink eyelids, orange eyes and two feather tufts on their ears. Their feathers are dark brown on top and light grey below.
They are nocturnal birds and roost in tall trees. They sleep lightly and will awaken very quickly to defend themselves from attack in daylight hours.
They hunt in early evening. Full-grown owls feed on hares, mongoose and many other small game animals. They are one of the very few birds to feed on hedgehogs.