
Leaving home
Our resident Verreaux Eagle Owls have two nearly full grown chicks
They have recently left the nest and are now following their parents in search of food. We saw this chick on a morning game drive as he was calling one of the adults
They are still learning how to hunt on their own, but mom and dad is close by to give a handout when they get hungry
Verreaux Eagle Owl is one of the largest owls in Mjejane Nature reserve. They go by different names in different places such as the Milky Eagle Owl because of their colour, or the Giant Eagle Owl because of their size. They are large and powerful owls with ear tufts on the head for enhanced hearing
The Verreaux Eagle Owl adult has pale grey-brown plumage, with fine white vermiculations. Their white throat is very conspicuous when calling. Scapulars show white outer webs and their flight feathers and tail are dark, dusky brown with broad pale grey bars for camouflage
Mom and dad may look the same but mom has the size advantage...
Our chick in the picture has grey-brown down on his body and head, with broad, dark bars. Its ear tufts are indistinct at fledging but he is moulting into adult plumage