Grayish Eagle-Owl
Bubo cinerascens
A fairly large gray owl with small ear tufts. The eyes are dark brown. Found in a variety of woodland and savanna habitats, often around cliffs and other rocky areas. Frequently in pairs. Very similar to Spotted Eagle-Owl, but there is little range overlap, and Grayish is easily separated by its dark eyes. The call is a single short “hoooo.”
Identification
This species is about 43 cm (17 in) long and weighs about 500 g (18 oz). Like the spotted eagle-owl, the greyish eagle-owl has mottled dark brown, buff, and white upperparts and finely barred (vermiculated) underparts giving a greyish-brown appearance. It differs from the spotted eagle-owl in having dark brown (not yellow) eyes and a brownish facial disk marked with a heavy brown circle around each eye. It also has morphological differences, such as being lighter though about the same length and having shorter tarsi.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Bubo cinerascens
- Authority
- Guérin-Méneville, 1843
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Bubo
Range and habitat
It is found in the northern part of sub-Saharan Africa from Mauritania and Liberia east to Sudan and Somalia. Its habitats include dry rocky deserts and open savannah, as well as lowland forests in Somalia.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Short-tailed Parrotbill
Suthora davidiana
A tiny pingpong ball of a bird, this parrotbill flits amongst bamboo stands, usually in hilly mixed forest. Tends to be quiet and retiring but can small roving flocks often be detected by chattering twitter. Small and brownish overall, with a black throat and an orange-toned head. Short tail (unusual amongst parrotbills) gives it a bulbous-headed appearance.
Black-chested Jay
Cyanocorax affinis
Striking jay with mostly black head and throat, deep indigo upperparts, and contrasting white belly. Long tail with white tip. Pale eye. Sexes alike. Usually found in small family groups. Occurs in forested habitats, including shrubby second growth and forest edge. Calls include a harsh doubled “chee-chee” and other mechanical and musical notes.
Sooty Gull
Ichthyaetus hemprichii
Medium-sized elongated gull. Brown-gray overall with a long bill and dark underwings. Similar to White-eyed Gull, but with dark underwings. Slightly larger and heavier with browner adult plumage than White-eyed Gull. The bill on Sooty Gull is also thicker and clearly two-toned in all ages compared to White-eyed Gull. Coastal, breeds on islands and coral reefs.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.