VERREAUX'S EAGLE OWL (BUBO LACTEUS)

Conservation status: Least concern (from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016)
Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa.
Habitat: Dry, wooded savannahs and bushveld
Diet: Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates
Size: 58 - 68cm (head to tail)
Weight: 1.6-3.1kg (3.5lbs - 6.8lbs) with females normally being heavier than males

The Verreaux's eagle owl is the largest owl species found across Sub-Saharan Africa, ranking 4th in both weight and length out of all known owl species globally. A large, primarily grey vermiculated owl, it is most characterised by it's bright pink eyelids! This is the only owl species to have entirely bald eyelids - the prevailing theory is that this helps them regulate their body temperature the same way our skin does. Primarily nocturnal, this species is a particularly silent and formidable predator! These guys are opportunistic and will take just about anything they can catch; over 250 different species have been recorded as part of its diet, making it the second most varied diet out of any owl species (second only to the Eurasian Eagle Owl!). Some mammalian species that are part of the VEO's diet include hedgehogs, hares, bats, large rodents, small antelope species (such as Dik-diks), young warthogs and mongoose. They are the only owl known to hunt multiple species of primates (including galagoes, bushbabies and vervet monkeys). Birds also form a huge part of their diet; ranging from galliformes, herons and hamerkops to other owl species and diurnal birds of prey! The Verreaux's eagle owl will also consume reptiles (including snakes and lizards), amphibians and occasionally fish and invertebrates!

VEO's are monogamous, mating for life; the pair is very territorial and will call loudly to one another, both to communicate to declare their territory. The call of the Verreaux's eagle owl is the deepest of an extant owl species and one of the deepest bird calls in the world, on quiet nights their calls can be heard up to 2 miles away! They make a variety of different calls. Most owl species are incapable of making their own nests, the Verreaux's eagle owl is no different and will use nests built by other large birds such as vultures or hamerkops, eagles, and crows. Sometimes they will take the nest taking one step further and steal an already-occupied nest, often chasing away or sometimes eating the inhabitants! The female will stay on the nest for the entire incubation period, averagely laying up to 2 eggs, while the male will go off to hunt, bringing food back to the nest. Usually only one chick will make it to the fledgling stage, being fully feathered and full size by 16 weeks old, though they are not sexually mature until 3 to 4 years old, staying within their parents' territory range for the first 2 years of their life, with the family sometimes communally nesting together - this is unique behaviour that most owl species do not share!

Did You Know? Scientists have documented young Verreaux's Eagle-owls closing their eyes and pretending to be dead if they are approached by a potential threat while on the ground! They will remain immobile until they have been left alone for quite some time.

Our Verreaux's eagle owl is called Pingu!