When night falls across the African bush, owls become some of the most fascinating birds to watch. Each species has its own unique features, from size and plumage patterns to eye colour and calls. On Africam’s live cameras, you might spot anything from a tiny Pearl-Spotted Owlet to the towering Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl.

Here’s how to tell apart some of the owls you might see on our cams:

🔍 Owl ID Tips

• Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl - The heavyweight of African owls. Look for its impressive size, pale pink eyelids, and broad, rounded wings. Its deep, gruff “hoo-hoo” carries far into the night.
  
  

• Western Barn Owl - Almost ghost-like in flight, with a heart-shaped white face and golden upperparts. Flaps silently as it hunts rodents.
  
  

• Spotted Eagle-Owl - Medium to large with mottled brown feathers, striking yellow eyes, and short ear tufts. Often perches in open areas scanning for prey.
  
  

• Pearl-Spotted Owlet - One of the smallest owls in Africa. Brown with white spots on its head and back, plus two bold “false eyes” on the back of its head to fool predators. Active even in daylight.
  
  

• African Scops Owl - Tiny, well-camouflaged, with grey-brown streaked plumage that blends perfectly with tree bark. Listen for its soft, repetitive “prrrp” call at night.
  
  

• African Barred Owlet - Small, round-headed, with no ear tufts. Its chest and belly are finely barred, and it has a bright yellow stare. Often seen in woodland edges at dawn and dusk.
  
  Put your owl knowledge to the test and see how many you can correctly identify!