Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - White-faced Scops Owl

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
White-faced Scops Owl
Page 21

Otus leucotis

Length: 25 cm (10")

Status: Common

Habitat: The white-faced scops owl is found in the woodlands of semi-deserts and savannas. It also inhabits the edges of wetter forests.

Food: Scops owls eat rodents, birds and invertebrates. They are nocturnal hunters that roost in trees where they are well hidden.

Social System/Behavior: Scops owls are a widespread, mostly tropical owl. There are 40 species. In North America, the genus is represented by screech owls. All owls in this group are small. The white-faced has a voice much like that of the screech owl and is sometimes known as the African screech owl.

It lays two or three eggs in the abandoned nest of an eagle, heron, crow, pigeon or turaco. It has been known to nest in tree cavities as well.

Like most owls, the nesting pair is territorial and does not tolerate another pair near them. However, when the breeding season is over, several owls may roost together during the day.

Predators: Scops owls will lose eggs to tree snakes and monkeys. Other owls, as well as small predators, may take the odd one. Most of the owls lost to predation are juveniles.

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