
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bubo africanus
One of the smallest eagle-owls, a medium-sized bird with an off-white to pale ochre facial disc, yellow eyes and prominent ear tufts. It is the commonest owl of southern Africa and lives close to people. It takes more insects than the larger members of its genus.
The spotted eagle-owl (Bubo africanus) is a medium-sized owl of sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and one of the smallest eagle-owls. The facial disc is off-white to pale ochre and the eyes are yellow; the ear tufts are prominent, the upperparts dusky brown and the underparts off-white barred with brown. Until 1999 it was treated as conspecific with the greyish eagle-owl, Bubo cinerascens, but the two are now regarded as separate species. It is the commonest owl in southern Africa, with healthy populations across most of the region, and because it settles readily near houses it is often called an urban owl, occurring in thorn savanna as well as suburban gardens such as those on the edge of Harare in Zimbabwe. Being small for its genus, it takes a higher proportion of insects than the larger eagle-owls.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Spotted Eagle-Owl lives 12-18 years.
The Spotted Eagle-Owl grows to About 45cm (wingspan 100-140cm, 454-907g).
It is about 45 cm long with a wingspan of 100-140 cm and a weight of 454-907 g.
Origin
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula; the commonest owl in southern Africa
Lifespan
12-18 years
Size
About 45cm (wingspan 100-140cm, 454-907g)
Sources: Wikipedia - Spotted eagle-owl / Wikipedia - Strigidae, Japanese edition (Japanese names)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Bubo africanus (Temminck, 1821)
Synonyms: Bubo maculosus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Bubo africanus. The order Strigiformes is listed in CITES Appendix II except for species placed in Appendix I, so this species is Appendix II and international trade requires an export permit. It is not among Japan's designated dangerous animals.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Appendix II) / IUCN Red List / Cabinet Order under the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals, appended table (designated dangerous animals)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Frozen mice, rats, quail and day-old chicks; in the wild insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles
Small for an eagle-owl but with a wingspan reaching 140 cm, it still needs an aviary large enough to spare the feathers, with cover for the day and perches at varied heights.
An adaptable bird that settles near houses, it is less aggressive than the large eagle-owls, though nest defence in the breeding season is still fierce.
It hoots in two low notes, pairs calling to each other. The volume is less than that of the large eagle-owls, but it calls repeatedly at night.
Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Because it is sometimes confused with the greyish eagle-owl, check the labelling and provenance when buying.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The average lifespan of Spotted Eagle-Owl is 12-18 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Spotted Eagle-Owl typically reaches About 45cm (wingspan 100-140cm, 454-907g) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Spotted Eagle-Owl feeds on: Frozen mice, rats, quail and day-old chicks; in the wild insects, small mammals, birds and reptiles. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Spotted Eagle-Owl varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026