African wood owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids African wood owl |
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Ciccaba woodfordii Smith A., 1834 |
The African wood owl (also called Woodford's owl) is a type of owl found across Sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the Strix group of owls, which are known for their round heads.
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About the African Wood Owl
The African wood owl is a medium-sized bird. It has a round head, much like other Strix owls such as the tawny owl. This owl has large, dark eyes with white "eyebrows" above them. Its belly is white with brown stripes.
Its feathers are mostly rich brown, but its underside is lighter. The exact colors can change a bit depending on where the owl lives. These owls are about 30.5 to 35 centimeters (12 to 14 inches) long. They usually weigh between 240 and 350 grams (8.5 to 12.3 ounces).
What Does it Sound Like?
The male and female African wood owls often "sing" together. The male makes a quick series of clear hoots. The female then answers with hoots that are higher-pitched and slower.
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Where Do African Wood Owls Live?
African wood owls live in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Scientists have found four main types, called subspecies, which live in different areas:
- Strix woodfordii woodfordii: You can find this type in southern Angola and the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their range goes north to southwestern Tanzania and east to Botswana and South Africa.
- Strix woodfordii nuchalis: This subspecies lives from Senegal and Gambia east to South Sudan, Uganda, and the western Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are also found on Bioko island.
- Strix woodfordii umbrina: This type lives in Ethiopia and eastern South Sudan.
- Strix woodfordii nigricantior: This subspecies is found from southern Somalia to Kenya. Their range extends south to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How African Wood Owls Live
African wood owls mostly live in forests and woodlands. Sometimes, they can also be found in tree plantations. They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night.
These owls mainly eat insects. However, they also hunt small reptiles, tiny mammals, and other birds. They usually catch their prey by swooping down from a tree branch.
Family Life
African wood owls lay eggs between July and October. A female owl lays 1 to 3 eggs in a tree hollow. She starts sitting on the eggs as soon as the first one is laid. This means the chicks hatch at different times. If there isn't enough food, the older, stronger chicks might harm the younger ones.
The eggs hatch after about 31 days. The young owls leave the nest when they are about five weeks old. They can fly two weeks after that. Young owls stay with their parents for about four months. Sometimes, they even stay until the next breeding season.
During the day, these owls rest alone or in pairs. They hide in thick tree cover, high up in the branches. They start calling out after the sun goes down.
Naming the African Wood Owl
This owl was once placed in a different group called Ciccaba. However, scientists now know it is very closely related to the Strix owls. So, it is now part of the Strix group.
The African wood owl is named after Colonel E.J.A. Woodford. He was a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars and also a naturalist, meaning he studied nature.
