Verreaux's Eagle-Owl

Bubo lacteus

Other Names

  Giant Eagle-Owl, Milky Eagle-Owl   Grand-duc de Verreaux   Blaßuhu   Búho Lechoso   Mjölkuv   Verreaux' Oehoe   Gufo Latteo

World: Africa south of 20° North, except in the forested regions of West and Central Africa.

Kenya: Common in the South and South West but less so in the drier North and East of the country.

The most often seen of Kenya's 3 Eagle-Owls. It is the common large owl of riverine and acacia woodland. A nocturnal bird, it can be seen perching on exposed branches during the day. It often hunts in early evening and will wade into water to catch fish. Particularly partial to hedgehogs when nesting, it will take a wide variety of prey from moths to Great White Egrets, Grey Herons and apparently even Secretary Birds. At Lake Baringo Club the resident family have driven the White-faced Scops Owl from the grounds, having preyed on their chicks. They have also decimated the hotel's domestic cat population.... the remaining cats are very cautious. Above all Verreaux's Eagle-Owls are opportunistic feeders which are quite happy scavenging for leftovers. You should watch out for them at lodges that engage in daily crocodile feeding. This bird was photographed at its daytime roost in Samburu.