The Maghreb owl is an owl of the earless owl genus, Strix. It occurs in northwestern Africa from Morocco to Tunisia and Mauritania. It was previously considered a subspecies of the tawny owl.
Region
Maghreb (Northwest Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Morocco across northern Algeria to northern Tunisia, with core populations in the Atlas and associated ranges. It uses evergreen oak, cork oak, juniper, and cedar forests, as well as mixed woodland, riparian groves, orchards, and wooded ravines. In some areas it extends into semi-open mosaics with scattered trees, cliffs, and rural settlements. Roosts by day in dense foliage or cavities and hunts along forest edges and clearings at night.
Altitude Range
200–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Maghreb owl is a recently recognized species in the earless owl genus Strix, split from the tawny owl based on vocal and genetic differences. It inhabits the Maghreb of northwestern Africa, favoring montane and Mediterranean woodlands. Its song is noticeably different from the tawny owl’s classic hoot, aiding field identification. It adapts to drier, warmer habitats than many of its Eurasian relatives.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Generally monogamous and occupies stable territories year-round. Nests in tree cavities, cliff holes, or occasionally buildings; will use old raptor or corvid nests. Adults are strongly site-faithful and defend nesting sites with persistent vocalizations and displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The male gives a series of deep, resonant hoots with a different cadence from the Eurasian tawny owl, often more clipped and nasal. Contact calls include sharp kew-wick notes, with duet exchanges between pairs common near territory centers.
Plumage
Warm sandy-brown to grey-brown upperparts with fine mottling and barring; paler, lightly barred underparts. Rounded head with no ear tufts and a well-defined pale facial disc. Feathers dense and soft for silent flight.
Diet
Primarily hunts small mammals such as mice, voles, gerbils, and shrews. It also takes small birds, large insects, and occasionally reptiles or amphibians when available. Hunting is mostly from a perch with short, silent pounces; it may also quarter along edges and tracks.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest margins, clearings, riparian corridors, orchards, and near rural settlements where prey is abundant. Uses perches on branches, fence posts, and rocky outcrops to scan for movement.
