African wood owl

The African wood owl, also known as Woodford's owl, is a captivating bird from the genus Strix in the family Strigidae. This medium-sized owl can be found across sub-Saharan Africa. It features a distinctive rounded head, dark eyes accented by white eyebrows, and brown plumage with lighter underparts. Measuring approximately 30.5 to 35 cm in length and weighing between 240 to 350 grams, it’s just the right size to attract attention.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the African wood owl is its song. The male and female perform a duet, with the male emitting rapid hoots and the female responding with higher-pitched hoots. There are four recognized subspecies, each residing in different regions of Africa.

These owls prefer forests and woodlands, though they sometimes inhabit plantations. They are strictly nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt insects, though their diet also includes reptiles, small mammals, and other birds. The breeding season spans from July to October. During this period, females lay 1 to 3 eggs in tree hollows. After roughly 31 days of incubation, the chicks hatch and leave the nest about five weeks later.

Taxonomically, the African wood owl belongs to the genus Strix. It was previously classified with Neotropical owls under the genus Ciccaba. The owl is named in honor of Colonel E.J.A. Woodford, a British soldier and naturalist who lived during the Napoleonic Wars.