Abyssinian Owl

The Abyssinian owl or African long-eared owl (Asio abyssinicus) is a non-migratory, terrestrial, medium-sized true owl. Due to their status as a protected species of least concern, they cannot legally be hunted in most of the territory that they inhabit. == Description == The Abyssinian owl has dark brown eyes, a black bill and gray eyebrows. It is similar in appearance to the long-eared owl, Asio otus, but their ranges do not overlap, and the Abyssinian owl is darker. It has prominent dark brown, white-edged ear-tufts that are slightly centrally located on the head. The length of the Abyssinian owl can range from 40–44 cm, with a tail length of 182-190mm and a wing length of 309-360mm. Its weight falls between 245-500g. == Behavior and reproduction == Asio abyssinicus is a nocturnal owl. It uses the nests of other birds to raise its offspring. The claws of the Abyssinian owl are significantly stronger than other members of the genus; as a result a wider range of prey is available, including smaller insects and birds, field mice, and shrews. == Distribution == The Abyssinian owl prefers open grasslands or moorlands with oak or cedar forests, and it is found in mountain…