Cape eagle owl

Introduction: Cape eagle owls (Bubo capensis) are fairly uncommon in Namibia, probably because they inhabit cliffs, gorges and rocky outcrops as well as semi-desert scrub. Roost and nest sites can be identified by an accumulation of thick white droppings, large pellets and the remains of the prey on the ground below.

Distribution: In mountainous and rocky regions of Namibia including mainly western areas from the Orange River in the south, extending north to scattered populations around Luderitz, Brandberg Mountain, Damaraland and Kaokoland.

Diet: Mostly mammals such as cane rats, klipspringer, common duiker, lambs, springhares and bats. Also eats free-tailed bats, small lizards, crabs and other birds such as other owls, pigeons and doves.

Description: Medium-sized to large owls, strong bills and well-developed ear tufts. Their wings are long and broad.

Breeding: Nests are in cavities in trees or rocks or old stick nests of other birds. Bubo is Latin for an eagle owl. Females lay between 1 and 3 eggs with an incubation period of 36 days laid between May and July.

Size: 50cm.

Weight: 1kg.