The Abyssinian owl or African long-eared owl is a medium-sized true owl.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in highland regions of northeastern and eastern Africa, including the Ethiopian and Eritrean highlands and south through the mountains of Kenya and Uganda into the Albertine Rift. It favors montane evergreen forest, juniper–hagenia woodland, bamboo zones, and adjacent heath and moorland. Often found along forest edges, clearings, and montane farmland bordered by trees. Daytime roosts are typically in dense conifers or broadleaf foliage, often near open hunting grounds. It is patchily distributed where suitable high-elevation habitat persists.
Altitude Range
1800–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the African long-eared owl, it is a montane specialist with prominent ear tufts and a darker, more heavily streaked look than its Eurasian relative. It roosts by day in dense foliage and becomes active at dusk, hunting along forest edges and moorland. The species is often detected by its deep, repetitive hoots at night. It is generally elusive and poorly known due to its remote high-altitude habitats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
buoyant, silent flight with steady flaps and short glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary outside the breeding season, roosting alone or in pairs in dense foliage. Breeds in the wet season, often using old stick nests built by crows or raptors, sometimes nesting on ledges or dense trees. Clutch size is small, and both adults tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Male gives a series of deep, evenly spaced hoots carrying far in still night air. Also produces harsh barks and squeals during pair interactions and near the nest. Females and young add higher-pitched calls and begging notes.
