Verreaux's eagle-owl, also commonly known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, is a member of the family Strigidae. This species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. A member of the genus Ketupa, it is the largest African owl, measuring up to 66 cm (26 in) in total length. This eagle-owl is a resident primarily of dry, wooded savanna. Verreaux's eagle-owl is mainly grey in color and is distinguishable from other large owls by its bright pink eyelids, a feature shared with no other owl species in the world.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
It occupies dry, wooded savannas, thorn scrub, and open woodland with scattered large trees. It favors riverine belts, mopane and acacia woodland, and bushveld, often near watercourses for reliable prey. It avoids dense lowland rainforest and the most barren deserts but uses edges and mosaics of woodland and open ground. Roosts are typically in large trees, often shaded and close to hunting clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the milky or giant eagle-owl, it is the largest owl in Africa. It is instantly recognizable by its bright pink eyelids, a unique feature among owls. Powerful and versatile, it hunts a wide range of prey from rodents to medium-sized birds and mammals. Pairs often duet with deep, booming hoots that carry long distances at night.
A Verreaux's eagle-owl during a rainstorm
At San Diego Zoo
The Verreaux's eagle-owl's ear tufts can appear nearly absent.
The pink eyelids of a Verreaux's eagle-owl are quite conspicuous when it is resting.
Verreaux's eagle-owls spend daytime resting at a roost, which is almost always an ample tree branch
An eagle-owl in Kruger National Park swallowing a snake
A southern African hedgehog, a common prey item for Verreaux's eagle-owls
A South African study showed the black-headed heron as the most important prey by biomass for Verreaux's eagle-owls.
A Verreaux's eagle-owl near a flying moth, which can be as likely prey as a much larger item
Other owls such as African grass owls may fall victim to predation by Verreaux's eagle-owls.
A Verreaux's eagle-owl is disturbed during the day; adult birds frequently defend their territory and nest at any time of the day or year.
A Verreaux's eagle-owl "fledgling" such as this one often leaves the nest well before it can fly competently.
An artist's rendering of a Verreaux's eagle-owl from 1838
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep, powerful wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in monogamous pairs that maintain large territories. Nests in large stick platforms high in trees, often reusing old raptor nests, and occasionally on cliffs. Clutch is typically 1–2 eggs; the female incubates while the male provides food.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, booming series of hoots, often given as a duet by pairs and audible over long distances. Calls may include grunts and growls at close range, with the white throat patch pulsing during vocal displays.
