Photo: El Golli Mohamed / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Maghreb Owl
Strix mauritanica
Maghreb Owl (Strix mauritanica) — Owls of Africa.
The Maghreb Owl (Strix mauritanica) is a member of the Strigidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 472 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Strigiformes
- Family Strigidae Owls
- Genus Strix
- Species mauritanica
Quick facts
- Weight
- 472 g
- Diet
- Vertebrate hunters
- Family
- Strigidae
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Maghreb Owl preys mainly on other vertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Maghreb Owl is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Maghreb Owl (Strix mauritanica) belongs to the Strigidae family of the order Strigiformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF nw Africa.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 472 g, with a wing length of about 26.5 cm and a tail of around 17.1 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Maghreb Owl?
The Maghreb Owl is a large bird that weighs around 472 g.
Where does the Maghreb Owl live?
The Maghreb Owl is found across Africa with a range covering AF nw Africa, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Maghreb Owl belong to?
The Maghreb Owl (Strix mauritanica) belongs to the Strigidae family, in the order Strigiformes.
What does the Maghreb Owl eat?
The Maghreb Owl preys mainly on other vertebrates.
Does the Maghreb Owl migrate?
The Maghreb Owl is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the Maghreb Owl make?
1 real field recording of the Maghreb Owl — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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Guides for this bird
Meet the Strigidae
A field guide to the Strigidae family — 236 species in the Birbs encyclopedia, with the best-known members to start with.