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Hexaprotodon

White Faced Owl

A White Faced Owl in a private collection. But is a Northern or a Southern White Faced Owl? What are the distinguishing features that make it one or the other? Thanks.

White Faced Owl
Hexaprotodon, 15 Apr 2015
    • Hexaprotodon
      A White Faced Owl in a private collection. But is it a Northern or a Southern White Faced Owl? What are the distinguishing features that make it one or the other?

      Thanks.
    • MikeG
      The eye-colour will usually tell Northern and Southern apart:
      Northern = eyes vary from deep amber-yellow to orange
      Southern = eyes are red
    • Hexaprotodon
      So the one in the photo is a Northern then?
    • Hexaprotodon
      Thank you very much Mike - that's really useful information.
    • MikeG
      The Northern White-faced Owl is generally paler than the Southern, but the other main difference (besides eye-colour) is in their vocalizations: the call of the Southern is described as "a series of fast, bubbling hoots". The Northern has a very different, two-note call.
      (Which is of zero help when identifying birds from photographs :) )
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  • Category:
    United Kingdom - Other
    Uploaded By:
    Hexaprotodon
    Date:
    15 Apr 2015
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