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Despite the alternative common name of giant eagle-owl, Verreaux's eagle-owl is not the largest owl or eagle-owl in the world. It is, however, a very large and powerful owl species. This species is both the largest owl found in Africa and the world's largest owl to occur in the tropics. Among all the world's owls, it is the fourth heaviest living owl, after Blakiston's fish owl (Ketupa blakistoni), the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) and the tawny fish owl (Ketupa flavipes). Voice: The call of the Verreaux's eagle-owl is the deepest of any extant owl species and one of the deepest bird calls in the world, averaging slightly deeper than the calls of the Blakiston's and brown fish owls (Ketupu zeylonensis). The calls of Eurasian eagle-owls are less deep but are possibly louder and farther carrying.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
The map shades 24 countries with regular records, and 3 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso.
About the Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
Verreaux's eagle-owl, also commonly known as the milky eagle owl or giant eagle owl, is a large owl of the genus Ketupa in the family Strigidae. It is the largest African owl, measuring up to 66 cm (26 in) in total length. Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, this eagle-owl is a resident primarily of dry, wooded savanna. The species is mainly grey in colour and is distinguishable by its bright pink eyelids, a unique feature not shared with any other owl species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Brown Fish OwlKetupa zeylonensisThe brown fish owl has prominent ear tufts and rufous brown upperparts that are heavily streaked with black or dark brown.
Buffy Fish OwlKetupa ketupuThe buffy fish owl is buff brown with darker tawny brown feathers on the back.
Spot-bellied Eagle-OwlKetupa nipalensisThe spot-bellied eagle-owl is a large species of owl.
Side by side: Crested Owl vs Verreaux's Eagle-Owl · Brown Fish Owl vs Verreaux's Eagle-Owl · Buffy Fish Owl vs Verreaux's Eagle-Owl · Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl vs Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
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