The desert owl or desert tawny owl, formerly known as Hume's owl, is a species of owl. It is closely related to the more widespread tawny owl and to the range-restricted Omani owl.
Region
Middle East and Northeast Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in arid and semi-arid regions, especially rocky deserts, escarpments, and wadis with scattered trees or shrubs. Recorded from areas such as the Sinai and eastern deserts of Egypt, the Negev and Judean Desert, Jordan, and the Arabian Peninsula (e.g., Saudi Arabia). Prefers rugged terrain with cliffs, boulder fields, and canyon walls that provide cavities for roosting and nesting. It avoids dense forests and open sand seas without rocky relief. Human-altered oases and remote settlements can be used if suitable roost sites and prey are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the desert tawny owl, it was long treated as Hume’s owl before being split as a distinct species in 2015. It is closely related to the widespread tawny owl but adapted to arid landscapes, frequenting rocky deserts and wadis. Secretive and nocturnal, it is most often detected by its deep, resonant hoots echoing from cliffs.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short broad wings with buoyant, silent flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests in rock crevices, cliff ledges, caves, or occasionally old corvid nests; lays a small clutch and both adults attend the young. Pairs maintain territories along wadis and cliff systems and may reuse favored roost sites for years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives deep, resonant hoots in measured sequences that carry far in still desert nights. Calls often include paired hoots with pauses, and the female responds with a slightly higher, rougher note.
Plumage
Sandy-buff to pale tawny overall with fine dusky streaking on the underparts and subtle barring on the wings and tail. The facial disc is pale with a darker rim and a slightly contrasting white throat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small mammals such as gerbils and jirds, along with small birds, reptiles, and large insects. Hunts from exposed perches along cliffs and wadis, dropping silently onto prey. Will also quarter along slopes and boulder fields when prey is active. Diet composition varies with local prey availability and season.
Preferred Environment
Forages along rocky ravines, canyon edges, and sparsely vegetated wadis with scattered acacias or tamarisks. Uses cliff ledges, rock piles, and occasional buildings or ruins as hunting vantage points.
