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African Wood Owl
Strix woodfordiiA mysterious owl of the forest shadows – its haunting call is the voice of the African night.
The African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii) is a medium-sized owl found in sub-Saharan Africa. A member of the family Strigidae, it is one of the most widespread and commonly encountered woodland owls in Africa, known for its distinctive, haunting call that echoes through the night. With its large dark eyes and lack of ear-tufts, it is a classic 'eared' owl of the genus Strix.
African Wood Owl Quick Facts
What Is the African Wood Owl?
The African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii) is a medium-sized owl belonging to the family Strigidae, which includes the typical owls. It was first described by the English naturalist George Robert Gray in 1833. The species name woodfordii is in honour of the English explorer William Woodford.
This owl is a member of the genus Strix, which includes the true wood owls, characterised by their lack of ear-tufts and large, dark eyes. It is one of the most widespread and commonly encountered woodland owls in Africa, found in a variety of wooded habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. The African Wood Owl is known for its distinctive, haunting call, which is often described as the voice of the African night.
There are two recognised subspecies: the nominate S. w. woodfordii and S. w. nuchalis, which is found in parts of West Africa. The species is closely related to the Brown Wood Owl of Asia and the Spotted Owl of North America.
How to Identify an African Wood Owl
The African Wood Owl is a distinctive and easily recognisable owl, especially by its lack of ear-tufts and dark eyes. Here are its key identifying features:
- Size: A medium-sized owl, measuring 30-36 cm (12-14 in) in length with a wingspan of 70-80 cm (28-31 in).
- Ear-tufts: No visible ear-tufts – one of the key features distinguishing it from eagle-owls.
- Eyes: Large, dark brown to black eyes – a classic feature of Strix owls.
- Facial disk: Well-defined facial disk that is finely barred with dark brown and white.
- Plumage: Variable, ranging from brown to grey-brown. The upperparts are brown with whitish spots and mottling, while the underparts are pale with fine dark bars.
- Wings: Broad, rounded wings with extensive white markings.
- Legs and feet: Feathered legs and feet.
Distinguishing from Similar Owls
The African Wood Owl can be confused with the Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus) and the Greyish Eagle-Owl (Bubo cinerascens). The African Wood Owl is smaller and lacks the prominent ear-tufts of the eagle-owls. It is also distinguished by its dark eyes, whereas the Spotted Eagle-Owl has bright yellow eyes. The Marsh Owl is smaller, has longer wings, and is associated with more open habitats.
Behavior & Social Life
The African Wood Owl is a strictly nocturnal bird of prey. It is generally solitary but may be found in pairs, especially during the breeding season.
Roosting
- Daytime roosts: During the day, it roosts singly or in pairs in dense foliage, often at a height of 2-10 metres above the ground.
- Roost selection: It shows a preference for roosting in well-shaded trees with thick foliage, such as in riverine forest or dense woodland.
- Adaptability: In urban areas, it may roost in large gardens with mature trees.
Vocalization
- Call: The African Wood Owl has a characteristic call that begins with a series of slow, high-pitched hoots (about two notes per second), accelerating into a rapid trill, then slowing down again. This accelerating series of hoots is one of the most distinctive sounds of the African bush.
- Call descriptions: Often described as "hu hu hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu-hu" or a muffled, fluty "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo". Another version is a slow, drawn-out "pu pu pu pu pu" that rises in pitch and tempo towards the end.
- Call characteristics: Soft, muffled, and somewhat fluty, it can carry for considerable distances through the forest. It is considered one of the most beautiful of all African owl calls.
Habitat & Distribution
The African Wood Owl is found in a wide variety of wooded habitats across sub-Saharan Africa. It is a habitat generalist but shows a preference for woodland areas with a good amount of cover.
Key habitat types include:
- Woodland and savanna – especially with tall trees.
- Forests and forest edges – including evergreen and deciduous forests.
- Riverine forest – along watercourses.
- Plantations – such as pine and eucalyptus plantations.
- Urban areas – large gardens and parks with mature trees.
Distribution: The African Wood Owl has a very large range, with an Extent of Occurrence estimated at 18,800,000 km². It is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegambia in the west to Ethiopia and Kenya in the east, and southwards to South Africa. It is absent from the most arid regions, such as the Namib and Kalahari Deserts.
Tanzania Distribution
In Tanzania, the African Wood Owl is found in forested and wooded areas across the country. It has been recorded in Serengeti National Park (particularly in the woodland and riverine areas), Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park.
African Wood Owl in Tanzania
The African Wood Owl is a magnificent and elusive owl of Tanzania's woodlands and forests. Here are the best locations to see it:
Serengeti National Park
Recorded in the Serengeti's woodland areas, particularly in the riverine forests along the Grumeti and Mara rivers. Often found roosting in dense tree canopies.
Serengeti safariNgorongoro Crater
Found in the Lerai Forest and other wooded areas within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Often seen roosting in the dense canopy of the forest.
Ngorongoro safariTarangire National Park
Found in the riverine forest along the Tarangire River, where the dense tree canopy provides excellent roosting sites.
Tarangire safariRuaha National Park
A resident species in Ruaha's miombo woodland and along the Great Ruaha River. Often found in the denser riverine vegetation.
Ruaha safariSafari Methods
- Daytime roost searching – look in dense tree canopies, especially in riverine forest and woodland areas.
- Night drives – listen for the distinctive accelerating hoot call at dusk and during the night.
- Birdwatching – the African Wood Owl is often heard before it is seen; listening for its call is the most reliable way to locate it.
- Wildlife photography – with patience, it can be photographed at its daytime roost.
Best Time to See Them
African Wood Owls are resident year-round. They are most vocal and active at night, particularly during the breeding season (August to November). The dry season (June to October) generally offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Diet & Feeding
The African Wood Owl is a carnivore with a varied diet that reflects its woodland habitat.
Food Sources
- Invertebrates: Beetles, moths, crickets, caterpillars, and other large insects are a major part of the diet.
- Small mammals: Rodents and shrews.
- Birds: Small birds and nestlings.
- Reptiles and amphibians: Lizards, snakes, and frogs.
Hunting Behavior
The African Wood Owl hunts from a perch, waiting for prey to pass below. It then dives silently to capture its prey on the ground or in the vegetation. Large prey may be dismembered before eating, while smaller prey is eaten whole.
Breeding & Life Cycle
The African Wood Owl is monogamous and is thought to mate for life.
Nesting
- Nest site: Natural tree hollows, often old woodpecker or barbet holes, at heights of 3-15 metres above the ground.
- Nest lining: The nest cavity is not usually lined, though the female may add some leaf litter.
- Clutch: 1 to 2 white eggs.
- Incubation: 29-31 days, mainly by the female while the male provides food.
Chicks
The chicks are born altricial (helpless, covered in white down). They fledge at 5-6 weeks old but may remain with the parents for several months. The breeding season varies across Africa but generally occurs from August to November in East Africa.
Conservation Status
The African Wood Owl is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Population: It has a very large range (Extent of Occurrence of approximately 18,800,000 km²) and a stable or increasing population.
Threats: The African Wood Owl is susceptible to forest degradation and is particularly vulnerable in areas where the mistbelt forests of Africa are being destroyed. It is also threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion, as well as the use of pesticides and rodenticides which can poison the owls directly or reduce their prey.
Conservation: The species is listed on CITES Appendix II.
Comparisons
The African Wood Owl is sometimes confused with other owls. Here are the key differences:
| Feature | African Wood Owl | Spotted Eagle-Owl | Greyish Eagle-Owl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 30-36 cm | 43-50 cm | 37-42 cm |
| Ear-tufts | None | Prominent | Prominent |
| Eye Colour | Dark brown to black | Yellow | Yellow |
| Facial Disk | Well-defined, finely barred | Less defined, black outer edge | Well-defined |
| Habitat | Woodland, forest | Savanna, woodland, urban | Open woodland |
| Call | Accelerating trill | Mellow hoot (hoo-hooooee) | Deep hoot |
Did You Know?
Haunting Call of the Night
The African Wood Owl's accelerating series of hoots is one of the most distinctive and beautiful bird calls in Africa, often described as the voice of the African night.
No Ear-Tufts
Unlike many other African owls, the African Wood Owl has no visible ear-tufts – a characteristic of the genus Strix.
Widespread and Adaptable
It is one of the most commonly encountered woodland owls in Africa, found in a variety of habitats from forests to city parks.
Named After an Explorer
The species name woodfordii honours William Woodford, a 19th-century English explorer who collected specimens in West Africa.
Silent Hunter
Like all owls, the African Wood Owl has specially adapted feathers that allow it to fly almost silently, making it a highly efficient nocturnal predator.
Variable Plumage
The African Wood Owl shows considerable variation in plumage colour, ranging from rich brown to pale grey, depending on the region.
There is a moment in the African night when the world falls silent, and then – from the darkness of the forest – comes the call of the African Wood Owl. It begins slowly, hesitantly, then builds into a rapid, accelerating trill that seems to hang in the air before fading into the night. It is a sound that speaks of ancient forests and hidden mysteries, a reminder that even in the darkness, there is beauty. To hear the African Wood Owl is to understand why the night holds such power over the human imagination.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii) is a medium-sized owl found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a member of the family Strigidae and is one of the most widespread and commonly encountered woodland owls in Africa, known for its distinctive, haunting call.
African Wood Owls are found in forested and wooded areas across Tanzania. Key locations include Serengeti National Park (in woodland areas), Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park (in riverine forest), and Ruaha National Park.
The African Wood Owl feeds mainly on invertebrates such as beetles, moths, crickets, and caterpillars. It also takes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Larger prey is either dismembered or eaten whole.
No. The African Wood Owl is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It has a very large range (over 18,000,000 km²) and a stable or increasing population, though it is susceptible to forest degradation.
It is a medium-sized owl with a well-defined facial disk, large dark eyes, and no visible ear-tufts. The plumage is variable, ranging from brown to grey, with a finely barred facial disk and extensive white markings on the wings.
The African Wood Owl measures 30-36 cm (12-14 in) in length and weighs between 240-350 grams (8.5-12.3 oz). It has a wingspan of 70-80 cm (28-31 in).
The African Wood Owl is monogamous and typically mates for life. It nests in natural tree hollows, using old woodpecker holes or other cavities. The female lays 1-2 eggs and incubates them for about 29-31 days while the male provides food.
The African Wood Owl has a characteristic call that begins with a series of slow, high-pitched hoots (about two notes per second), accelerating into a rapid trill, then slowing down again. It is one of the most distinctive and haunting calls in the African bush.
References & Further Reading
- Wikipedia – African wood owl: Scientific name, description, distribution, habitat, diet, breeding, conservation.
- eBird – African Wood Owl: Identification, vocalisation, habitat, call descriptions.
- Avibase – African Wood Owl: Taxonomy, subspecies, distribution.
- BDI – African Wood Owl: Identification, status, distribution.
- BirdLife International – African Wood Owl: IUCN Red List assessment, range, conservation.
- Oiseaux.net – African Wood Owl: Photo records from Tanzania.
- Encyclopedia of Life – Strix woodfordii: Biology, ecology, feeding, breeding.
