The maned owl or the Akun scops owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae that is endemic to Africa. It is the only species in genus Jubula.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in lowland tropical rainforests from Sierra Leone and Liberia east through Ghana and Nigeria to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and into both Congo republics. It favors primary forest and tall secondary forest, including swamp forest and riparian corridors. It is often associated with areas that have oil palms or abundant large beetles. Records are scarce due to its secretive habits and nocturnal activity.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The maned owl is a little-known, forest-dwelling owl and the sole member of the genus Jubula. Its common name comes from the shaggy, mane-like feathers around the nape and sides of the head. It is seldom seen because it roosts quietly in dense rainforest and is most active on dark nights. Like several African forest owls, it relies on intact lowland rainforest and is sensitive to habitat loss.
Temperament
secretive and nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief silent glides
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Likely nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes within mature forest. Clutch size is assumed small, and parental care is prolonged as in many small owls. Roosts quietly by day, relying on camouflage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft, low hoots and bubbling trills delivered at night, often repeated in short series. The song carries modestly through forest understory and canopy and may be most frequent just after dusk.
Plumage
Rich rufous to cinnamon overall with fine darker barring and mottling; shaggy, mane-like nuchal feathers give a haloed look. Facial disk is subdued, ear tufts small or inconspicuous, and underparts lightly barred. Upperparts show subtle vermiculations and pale speckling.
Diet
Primarily large nocturnal insects such as beetles, moths, katydids, and cicadas. Will sally from a perch to catch flying insects or glean prey from foliage and trunks. May occasionally take small vertebrates, but insects dominate the diet. Often forages where large beetles and palm-associated insects are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, clearings, streams, and within subcanopy and understory of mature rainforest. Frequently associated with areas containing oil palms and other insect-rich microhabitats.
