White Faced Scops Owl - Ptilopsis leucotis

The Northern White-faced Owl (Ptilopsis leucotis) is a species of owl in the Strigidae family. The Southern White-faced Owl (Ptilopsis granti) was formerly included in this species and the two were known as the White-faced Scops-Owl (Otus leucotis).

It is found in many countries across Africa between the Sahara and the Equator.

Description
The head of the Northern White Faced Owl features long ear tufts.  It has a distinctive white facial disc with a black rim, and orange-red to red eyes. The upperparts are darker gray with black markings. Underparts are lighter gray with thin dark streaks and lines.

Height: 190mm to 240mm

Habitat: thorn scrub, savannah woodland

Diet: large insects, scorpions, small rodents and occasionally small birds