White-browed owl facts for kids
The white-browed owl (Athene superciliaris), also known as the white-browed hawk-owl or the Madagascar hawk-owl, is a type of owl that belongs to the family Strigidae. This special owl lives only in Madagascar, which means it is endemic to that island.
Quick facts for kids White-browed owl |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Athene |
| Species: |
A. superciliaris
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| Binomial name | |
| Athene superciliaris (Vieillot, 1817)
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| Synonyms | |
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Contents
Owl Classification: How Scientists Group Animals
Scientists group animals into different categories, like families and genera. This helps them understand how different species are related. The white-browed owl used to be in a group called Ninox.
However, new information from studying its genes showed that it is actually more closely related to owls in the Athene group. So, scientists moved it to the Athene genus.
What Does the White-Browed Owl Look Like?
The white-browed owl is a small, sturdy owl. It has a big, round head. Unlike some other owls, it does not have ear tufts.
Adult white-browed owls have brown feathers on their upper body. They have white spots on their head, back, and wings. Their face is grey-brown with clear white "eyebrows" and a light brown chin.
Their belly and chest are light brown with wide dark brown stripes. The feathers under their wings, on their lower belly, and on their legs are plain, pale brown. Their tail is plain brown.
The owl's beak and the waxy part above it (called the cere) are horn-colored. Its eyes are dark brown, and its legs and feet are pale yellow. This owl is about 25 centimeters (10 inches) long. Its wings can spread out to about 70 centimeters (28 inches).
Owl Sounds: The White-Browed Owl's Voice
The white-browed owl has a unique song. It sounds like a howling "woohoo." This call starts a bit rough and is made every now and then.
Another sound it makes is a loud "kuang." This call is louder and starts with a higher pitch. It might be a sound the owl makes when it feels threatened or aggressive.
Where Do White-Browed Owls Live?
The white-browed owl is found only on the island of Madagascar. You can find it in the northeast, south, and southwest parts of the island.
These owls are most common in the drier forests. They also live in "gallery forests," which are forests found along rivers in dry areas. They are less common in the wet rainforests of the northeast. You might also see them in farm areas and forests that have regrown after being cut down. They mostly live in low-lying areas, usually below 800 meters (2,600 feet) above sea level.
White-Browed Owl Behavior and Life Cycle
The white-browed owl builds its nest between October and December. Its nest is a shallow dip in the ground. The female owl lays about 3 to 5 white eggs. Not much is known about how they raise their young.
This owl is active only at night. It mostly eats insects and small animals with backbones, like small lizards or rodents. It usually catches its food from a perch, like a tree branch. It can also catch insects and bats while flying.
 | George Robert Carruthers |
 | Patricia Bath |
 | Jan Ernst Matzeliger |
 | Alexander Miles |
