Alpha is a Spotted Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus) male and was the first bird to be officially bred by proprietor Ben Hoffman here in KwaZuluNatal; hence his name.
‘Spotties’ are the most common owl species found in South Africa and feature the classic eagle-owl ear-tufts. The success of spotted eagle-owls is due to their adaptability – they are not fussy about where they nest, what they eat and how they catch their prey.
In displays Alpha shows off the amazing stealth of owls as she glides silently above the audience. This silent flight differentiates owls from the diurnal raptors and makes them very efficient predators working the night shift.