The Southern white-faced owl is a fairly small owl in the family Strigidae. It is native to the southern half of Africa. It was formerly regarded as a subspecies of the northern white-faced owl but the two are now commonly treated as separate species.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across the southern half of Africa in dry savanna, open and mixed woodland, thornveld, and semi-arid scrub. It favors areas with scattered trees, including mopane and acacia, as well as riparian fringes and agricultural mosaics. The species avoids dense rainforest and treeless desert. By day it roosts in dense foliage close to trunks or in tree cavities, relying on cryptic posture for concealment. It nests in natural tree cavities or old holes made by barbets and woodpeckers.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Once treated as a subspecies of the Northern white-faced owl, it is now widely recognized as a separate species based on differences in voice and range. Famous for its dramatic defensive postures, it can puff up to appear larger or compress its body to look thin and branch-like. Its striking black-rimmed white facial disc enhances sound direction and helps with low-light hunting.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flier with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, forming monogamous bonds during the breeding season. Nests are usually in tree cavities, where the female incubates while the male provides food. Both adults defend the nest and perform distraction displays when threatened.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a sequence of soft, resonant hoots and whistles, often repeated at measured intervals. Pairs sometimes duet, with the second bird responding on a slightly different pitch. Alarm notes include sharp barks and harsh screeches at close range.
