Cape Eagle-Owl
Bubo capensis
Silhouette: Steven Traver · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderStrigiformes (Owls)
- FamilyStrigidae (Typical Owls)
- GenusBubo (Typical Eagle-Owls and Horned Owls)
- SpeciesBubo capensis (Cape Eagle-Owl)
About the Cape Eagle-Owl
The Cape eagle-owl (Bubo capensis) is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is one of several large species of the eagle-owl genus Bubo. Its range is limited to the southernmost regions of southern Africa as well as parts of East Africa. Claims that this species is found in the southern Arabian Peninsula are erroneous and presumably due to confusion with Bubo milesi.
The Cape eagle-owl is primarily found in mountainous regions or hilly areas with rocks where they find areas to roost, but can also be found in adjacent woodlands, grasslands, and wooded gullies. They are found from sea level up to 2,500 meters above sea level. These owls may also wander into human settlements or even towns, often specifically to prey on pigeons.
This is a large owl, though intermediate in size among other large Bubo owls. Its total length ranges from 46 to 61 cm (18 to 24 in). Males weigh from 905 to 1,387 g (32 to 49 oz) while the larger females range from 1,240 to 1,800 g (44 to 63 oz). The wing chord measures 34.3–41.8 cm (13.5–16.5 in) while the tail measures 15.5–26.6 cm (6.1–10.5 in). This owl is dark brown above with prominent ear-tufts and yellow... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Cape Eagle-Owl in Bale Mountains National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Bale Mountains National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bale Mountains National Park | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | |
| 2 | Aberdare National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 3 | Addo Elephant National Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 4 | Namib-Naukluft National Park | 🇳🇦 Namibia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Cape Eagle-Owl in Bale Mountains National Park?
About 20% of wildlife watchers report a Cape Eagle-Owl sighting in Bale Mountains National Park, based on 44 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Cape Eagle-Owl in Bale Mountains National Park?
May has the highest sighting rate for Cape Eagle-Owl in Bale Mountains National Park in our monthly data.