Southern White-faced Owl look-alikes

Key differences

The Southern White-faced Owl (P. granti) was formerly considered a subspecies of the Northern White-faced Owl (P. leucotis). The key distinction lies in their geographic distribution, with P. leucotis found further north in Africa. Morphologically, P. granti tends to have a slightly darker, more greyish plumage overall compared to the browner tones of P. leucotis, and the black border of the facial disc is often more pronounced in P. granti. Their vocalizations also differ, with P. granti's hooting call being more drawn out and descending.

Key differences

African Scops Owls are generally smaller (18-20 cm) and lack the prominent, sharply defined white facial disc bordered by black. Their eyes are typically yellow, not bright orange, and their plumage is more finely mottled and streaked, often with a more rufous or buffy wash. Their ear tufts are also less prominent than those of the White-faced Owls. The calls are distinctly different, with the Scops Owl having a soft, whistling 'prrrp' or 'krrroo' call.