Grommit
White Faced Scops Owl
Grommit
Grommit, although very beautiful, has a reputation as a rather grumpy member of our team.
He does have an absolute hatred of rakes and brooms so cleaning around his aviary gets you a few snarly comments!! We suggest you leave those implements at home when you come to visit him! However, he can be quite charming and certainly has a lot of admirers!
When he came to live with us at only 5 weeks old we simply didn’t realize the character we were taking on. We know better now.
Common Name: White-Faced Scops Owl
Latin Name: Otus ptilopsis leucotis
Conservation Status: Uncommon but widespread in suitable habitats. As with most owls it may be vulnerable to the use of pesticides and habitat destruction.
Wingspan: 540-580mm
Weight: 185-275g
Lifespan: 30 yrs (in the captivity).
Diet: Large insects, spiders, scorpions, small birds, reptiles and small mammals.
Average Litter Size: 2-4 eggs.
Habitat: Preferred habitats are dry savannas with thorn trees, forest edges and clearings. Absent from deserts and dense tropical rainforest.
Africa between the Sahara and the Equator.