

About the Abyssinian Owl
The Abyssinian owl or African long-eared owl is a non-migratory, terrestrial, medium-sized true owl. Due to their status as a protected species of least concern, they cannot legally be hunted in most of the territory that they inhabit.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The Abyssinian owl has dark brown eyes, a black bill and gray eyebrows. It is similar in appearance to the long-eared owl, Asio otus, but their ranges do not overlap, and the Abyssinian owl is darker. It has prominent dark brown, white-edged ear-tufts that are slightly centrally located on the head. The length of the Abyssinian owl can range from 40–44 cm, with a tail length of 182-190mm and a wing length of 309-360mm. Its weight falls between 245-500g.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Rwanda.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Madagascar OwlAsio madagascariensisThe Madagascar owl is similar in appearance to the Holarctic long-eared owl in that it sits tall and at rest shows prominent ear tufts.
Marsh OwlAsio capensisMedium-sized, dark brown with a pumpkin-shaped head with small 'ear' tufts.
Learn the Abyssinian Owl for real
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