The Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bobo lacteus) is sometimes called the Giant Owl. It is a large owl from eastern and southern Africa.

The Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl is pale grey or grey-brown with some white feathers. It has a dark circle around its face, called a facial disc. It has dark brown eyes with pink eyelids. It has ear tufts.

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl

It can grow to 66 centimetres (26 inches) tall.

It is nocturnal, hunting for food at night. It eats snakes, lizards, toads, frogs, fish, and insects.

The Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl prefers woodlands, semi-deserts, and acacia groves.

It does not make its own nest. Instead, it takes a nest that an eagle, vulture, or other bird does not use any more. Females lay two eggs.

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM