The African wood owl or Woodford's owl, is a typical owl from the genus Strix in the family Strigidae and is arguably the most common forest owl in Africa. It inhabits wooded areas and possesses a distinctive call. During the day it roosts singly or in pairs in dense cover, high in trees, whilst at night it forages for food.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
This owl inhabits evergreen and gallery forests, riparian woodlands, miombo, and coastal forests, favoring dense canopy with nearby clearings. It is also found along forest edges, in wooded savannas, and occasionally in plantations and well-treed suburbs. By day it roosts high in thick cover; at night it hunts from shaded perches along trails and openings. It is widespread from West and Central Africa through East Africa to parts of southern Africa.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African wood owl, also called Woodford's owl, is one of the most frequently encountered forest owls in sub‑Saharan Africa. It roosts singly or in pairs high in dense foliage by day and becomes active at dusk. Pairs often perform antiphonal duets—alternating hoots that help maintain territory and pair bonds. Like other Strix owls, it lacks ear tufts and flies with near-silent wingbeats.
A pair of African wood owls.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flier with short, rounded wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in mated pairs, especially at roosts. Pairs are monogamous and defend territories year-round. Nesting is usually in natural tree cavities or abandoned nests, with the female incubating and the male provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A resonant series of hoots often delivered as an antiphonal duet between male and female, with phrases rising and falling in pitch. Calls carry well through forest at night and are most frequent at dusk and before dawn.
