The Owls of Kruger

The pull of Kruger is too great and as I sit down in Somerset West beset by the blustery Cape winter, I am drawn to dip into my library of photographs and share with you some of my Kruger memories.

Owls are always one of my favourites – so secretive, somehow so mysterious and so beautiful. Here follows a short description of each species and some of my photographs.

Spotted Eagle-Owl

A large owl found throughout Kruger and in fact the whole of SA. Secretive by day hiding in the foliage of trees.

This is the owl that makes the classic nightly ‘hoooot’ from rooftops in suburbia. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Pearl-spotted Owlet

This is actually quite a common little owl although often missed because of its small size (15cm). Its distinctive tennis ball shape makes for easy identification as it often perches during the day atop a bush a few meters above ground level.

Characteristic are the false eyes at the back of its head to deter would be attackers. It can often be heard calling during the day – a series of ascending notes. Seen in woodland throughout the Park.

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White-faced Scops Owl

I have only seen three White-faced Owls in Kruger, one in the early morning half light near Lower Sabie, and the other two roosting during the day in thick foliage along the Sweni (S126) road and at Leeupan. Very nocturnal and secretive.

Such a beautiful little owl – at 25cm, rather bigger than the Pearl-spotted. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

African Barred-Owlet

Similar to the Pearl-spotted but with spots rather than streaks on its frontage, the Barred Owlet is not as commonly seen. It prefers to perch in thick, riverine woodland near water.

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African Scops Owl

Satara Restcamp is the best place to see this little owl (16cm). By day it is often seen roosting in the trees around the main Reception area but its wonderful camouflage can make its detection difficult.

Although found throughout Kruger, Satara is associated with the Scops and its distinctive short “Ppprrr” call given every few seconds can be heard on most nights.

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Barn Owl

This is the owl that makes that characteristic ‘screech’ call at night – particularly at Lower Sabie where it can often be seen during the day perching high in the roofing structure inside the restaurant.

Marsh Owl

I have only seen the Marsh Owl about 4km along the S29 gravel road (that loops out east from Lower Sabie towards Mlondozi Dam) and about 6km north of Satara along the main H1-4 tarred road. Usually seen in grassland just after sunset, perched on a bare stump a couple of meters off the ground.

The call of the Marsh Owl has been accurately described as the sound of canvas tearing. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Verreaux’s Eagle Owl (Giant Eagle Owl)

Seen quite often roosting during the day in large trees along watercourses. Unmistakable because of its size.

No doubt A A Milne had the Verreaux’s Owl in mind when he described the stately Owl in Winnie the Pooh. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Pel’s Fishing Owl

May be seen along the main perennial rivers of Kruger but very uncommon. I have only seen one along the Pafuri River in the far north of the Park after sunset. I do not have a photograph of this beautiful teddy-bear like owl and I have borrowed a photo from the internet.