How to identify the Southern White-faced Owl

To correctly identify the Southern White-faced Owl (Ptilopsis granti), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

22-28 cm

Wingspan

60-70 cm

Weight

180-260 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Overall grey-brown plumage with fine vermiculations and darker streaks. The underparts are paler, whitish with dark streaking. The most striking feature is the white facial disc, sharply outlined in black, with a dark grey-brown crown and prominent ear tufts. The upperparts are mottled grey-brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Small, sharply hooked, and dark grey to black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Bright orange to orange-yellow, contrasting sharply with the white facial disc.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Feathered legs and feet, typically greyish-brown, with dark talons.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Prominent ear tufts, bright orange eyes, and a distinct white facial disc bordered by black. When threatened, it can adopt a 'slim' posture, compressing its feathers and raising its ear tufts to appear like a broken branch. Conversely, when displaying or alarmed, it can puff up its feathers to appear larger.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have softer, fluffier plumage, less defined facial markings, and often duller eye color. Their ear tufts may be less developed.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, though females tend to be slightly larger and heavier than males.

Key field marks

• Facial Disc. Look for the striking white facial disc, sharply outlined in black, which is a key identifier for both White-faced Owl species.
• Eye Color. Note the bright orange to orange-yellow eyes, which stand out against the white face.
• Ear Tufts. Observe the prominent ear tufts, which are often held erect, especially when alert or displaying.
• Plumage Coloration. Identify the overall grey-brown, finely vermiculated plumage, which provides excellent camouflage against tree bark.
• Size. Its medium-small size (22-28 cm) helps distinguish it from larger owl species.
• Behavioral Posture. Watch for its unique camouflage posture: when threatened, it compresses its feathers and raises its ear tufts to mimic a broken branch, appearing very thin.
• Vocalization. Listen for its characteristic descending series of soft hoots, 'hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo', which fades away.

Explore the Southern White-faced Owl