Milky eagle owl

With their striking pink eyelids and impressive size, the milky eagle owl is one of Africa’s most extraordinary birds of prey. Also known as the Verreaux’s eagle owl, it’s the largest owl in Africa, with a wingspan of up to 1.6 metres.

Those bright pink eyelids are more than just a splash of colour but their exact purpose is still a mystery. They might help protect the owl’s eyes from the sun, contribute to thermoregulation, or could even be used to communicate with other owls. Either way, they make this species instantly recognisable.

These owls are powerful nocturnal hunters. At night, they swoop silently through the air in search of prey, thanks to the special feather structure that muffles the sound of their flight. Their diet is incredibly varied – from insects and birds to mammals such as monkeys and rodents! They’re even known to tackle hedgehogs – a meal many other predators avoid.

Despite their fearsome hunting skills, milky eagle owls face threats in the wild, mainly from habitat loss and persecution when they’re wrongly blamed for preying on livestock.