Southern White-faced Scops Owl

This characteristically enthusiastic Japanese nature program demonstrates the defensive behavior of the Southern White-faced Scops Owl (Ptilopsis granti), native to Southern Africa.

Confronted by a nearby Barn Owl (Tyto alba), it fluffs itself up into a very large owl. Seeing a more distant Barn Owl, it turns its less visible grey back toward the enemy and reduces its silhouette. All in all turning in a commendable Strigiperformance.

3:20 video

Hat tip to Labrat via Karen Myers.