Northern White-faced Owl

The Northern White-faced Owl is a small greyish-brown owl which has a black-rimmed face and long ear-tuffs. The females are larger than males. 

The Northern White-faced Owl incubate from the first egg laid and continue to lay one egg every other day. This continues until they have a full clutch. This means that if four eggs are laid, when the last egg hatches the first chick is already 7 days old. This provides security for the species in case there is a food shortage, the first chick can usually survive by eating its siblings. These owls are part of a national breeding programme and all the chicks reared here are loaned to other collections, as advised by the studbook keeper.

Diet: Small mammals, birds and large insects

Distribution: Africa.

Discover more Owl species which live at Birdland Park & Gardens.