Driving along one of the drainage lines in the South, we happened to look up at an old abandoned raptors nest that was perched precariously in a fork of an old fever tree. We were thrilled to find that it was no longer empty, but occupied by a rather large, pale grey coloured Owl with stout "ears," and a black rim to the facial disc framing large dark eyes with very distinctive pink eyelids! The pink eyelids on the Owl instantly identified it as a Giant Eagle Owl, which is the largest owl in the world with a wingspan of up to 155cm. (Almost the same as an average person holding their arms out at shoulder level).


The Giant Eagle Owl is the most voracious of all African owls, killing prey as large as Vervet monkeys, warthog piglets and full-grown Secretary-birds. But it is wide-reaching in its diet and smaller prey, from termites to rodents and game birds form the bulk of its diet.


They are usually seen alone or in pairs, and are often found living in trees along watercourses or drainage lines. Nesting takes place during the dry season, between June and September, where the female will find an old abandoned raptors nest made out of sticks, where she will lay two eggs.


The eggs are white in colour and are rough and pitted. Both parents will incubate the eggs for up to 39 days, although only one chick (the stronger) is normally reared to independence.


Over the next few weeks we are going to keep a close eye on this re-occupied nest, and hope to be able to report soon on the arrival of some "baby" pink lidded Eagle Owls.

Michelle Swemmer - Field Guide