It was formerly regarded as a subspecies of the northern white-faced owl (P. leucopsis) but the two are now commonly treated as separate species.

These fast, staccato notes followed by a longer and higher-pitched ‘hoot’ are extensively used during breeding season and pairs of owls often sing together.

Its range extends from Gabon eastwards to southern Kenya and southwards to Namibia and northern South Africa.

After the summer, southern white-faced owls increase their resting metabolic rate by approximately 45% to adjust to the climate changes.

Not only that, but the BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) of the owl is lower than what is expected of other birds of a similar size to help them when there is a lack of food.