Desert Owl
NameDesert Owl
Common NameDesert Owl
Scientific NameStrix hadorami
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)95
Length (cm)31
Weight (g)300
Plumage DetailsOverall sandy-buff to grayish-brown plumage with fine dark streaking and vermiculations, providing excellent camouflage. The facial disc is notably pale, often whitish or buff, bordered by darker feathers, and the eyes are a distinctive deep orange-yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a deep, resonant hoot, often described as a series of 'whoo-whoo-whoo' notes, sometimes with a tremulous quality.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the Middle East, including parts of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and extending into arid regions of Egypt and Sudan.
Identifying Featureslarge orange eyes, pale facial disc, sandy-buff plumage, no ear tufts, nocturnal
Description
The Desert Owl is a medium-sized owl characterized by its striking orange eyes and pale facial disc. It possesses cryptic sandy-buff plumage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its arid environment, where it hunts nocturnally.
