Tobias, White Faced Owl
Latin Name
Ptilopsis granti
Family
Strigidae
LIFE SPAN
Wild: The average lifespan of southern white-faced owls in the wild is currently unknown. The species has not been studied extensively enough for researchers to establish a reliable wild-life expectancy.
Captivity: Southern white-faced owls can live for up to approximately 30 years when provided with appropriate housing, nutrition and veterinary care. Precise lifespan data remains limited because northern and southern white-faced owls were previously classified as a single species.
Body size
Southern white-faced owls are relatively small owls. Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
- Weight: Approximately 185–275g (6.5–9.7 oz).
- Height/body length: Approximately 22–24cm (8.7–9.4 in).
- Wingspan: Approximately 50cm (20 in).
Despite their small size, they have powerful feet and talons capable of catching rodents, birds and other comparatively large prey.
Native habitat
Southern white-faced owls are native to central and southern Africa. Their range extends from southern Uganda and Kenya through parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola, and south into Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and northern South Africa.
They inhabit open, relatively dry environments with trees or shrubs, including:
- Savanna
- Thorn scrub
- Dry open woodland
- Wooded riverbanks
- Forest edges and clearings
They generally avoid dense rainforest and completely treeless desert. During the day, they roost in trees, dense foliage or natural cavities, where their streaked grey plumage helps them blend into the branches.
Diet
Southern white-faced owls are carnivorous and opportunistic hunters. Their diet includes:
- Rodents and shrews
- Small birds
- Small reptiles
- Large insects
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Scorpions
Small mammals can form a significant part of their diet when sufficiently abundant.
These owls hunt primarily at night, moving between perches while watching and listening for prey. Once prey has been located, the owl drops from its perch, glides low over the ground and captures it with its talons. Smaller prey may be swallowed whole, while larger animals are carried to a perch and torn apart with the bill.
Get to know Tobias
Tobias was handed to us from his previous owner who had to move overseas. He was donated to us as part of the featherwell foundation charity and we have been keeping him safe ever since. We have got him to fly free and despite being a bit shell shocked when he first arrived, he has grown in confidence and is a real favourite amongst the team.
He is like an angry wizard and can be a bit grumpy in his aviary but when he’s on your glove, he’s great and very cheerful.
Fun Fact!
Southern white-faced owls are sometimes nicknamed “transforming owls” because they can dramatically change their appearance when threatened.
When confronted by an animal of a similar size, the owl spreads and fluffs out its feathers to appear much larger and more intimidating. When faced with a much larger predator, it pulls its feathers tightly against its body, stretches upwards and narrows its eyes, helping it resemble a broken tree branch. This remarkable defensive display allows the same small owl to appear either considerably larger or almost impossibly thin.