african scops owl
Birds of Namibia
Introduction: African scops-owls (Otus scops-owl) inhabit arid savannah woodland especially mopane woodland and acacia parklands that extend along watercourses into grassland and desert. Absent from true desert and treeless grassland. Nocturnal but roosts by day tucked against a branch or tree-trunk. Emerges just after dark or late dusk, eyes wide open ready to hunt.
Distribution: Common in north and central Namibia including Etosha National Park, Caprivi, Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Diet: Drops to ground from perch. Eats grasshoppers, bugs, moths, caterpillars, crickets, cockroaches, spiders and scorpions.
Description: Otus is the Greek word for 'an earred owl'. Small owls with ear tufts, small bills, legs and feet. Long and broad wings, small ears.
Breeding: Nests in broken tree cavities. Females lay between 2 and 4 eggs in October with an incubation period of around 22 days. Monitor lizards take eggs.
Size: 18cm. Weight: 65g.
Namibia Explorer
10 Days - An excellent first time visitors tour. Includes: Africat, Etosha Park, Damaraland, Swakopmund & the dunes at Sossusvlei.
Delta & Falls Safari
9 Days - Starting in Windhoek this is primarily a Botswana trip - visiting the Okavango Delta and ending in Vic Falls
Namibia Family Adventure Safari
10 days - Aimed specifically at families, this safari visits all the major sites on the country and includes a series of activities & adventures that will appeal to both children & adults
Southern Swing
7 Days - The granddaddy of Namibian safaris - visits Fish River, Luderitz & Sossusvlei. Combine with the Northern Adventure for the 14 day Namibian Experience Safari
Northern Adventure7 Days - The best the north has to offer: Etosha, Africat (for leopard & cheetah), Damaraland, Himba Villages, rock art and Sossusvlei