The northern white-faced owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. The southern white-faced owl was formerly included in this species and the two were known as the white-faced scops-owl.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa east through the Sahel and Sudanian zones to Ethiopia and south into parts of East Africa. Prefers dry savannas, open and thorny woodlands, acacia scrub, and wooded edges, often near watercourses. It frequents farmland, gardens, and parklands where scattered trees provide roosts. The species avoids dense rainforest and true desert but uses gallery forests and semi-open habitats extensively.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The northern white-faced owl is a small African owl noted for its bold white facial disk sharply outlined in black. It was formerly lumped with the southern white-faced owl but is now recognized as a separate species. When threatened, it can dramatically alter its posture—either puffing up to appear larger or slimming down with elongated ear tufts to mimic a branch.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Typically roosts singly or in pairs in dense foliage by day. Forms monogamous pairs and nests in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, laying 2–3 eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The primary call is a series of soft, hollow hoots separated by pauses, often given at dusk and night. It also emits harsher barks and grating notes as contact or alarm calls.
Plumage
Compact owl with fine black barring on grey upperparts and pale, lightly streaked underparts. A crisp white facial disk is framed by a bold black border and complemented by prominent ear tufts.
Diet
Feeds on large insects such as beetles, moths, grasshoppers, and orthopterans, as well as small rodents, small birds, lizards, and frogs. Hunts from a perch, scanning and then pouncing silently on prey on the ground or in low vegetation. Smaller prey are swallowed whole; indigestible parts are later cast as pellets.
Preferred Environment
Often hunts along woodland edges, savanna clearings, and near watercourses where prey is abundant. It may also exploit insects attracted to lights in villages or farmyards.
