Abyssinian Eagle Owls are known for their large ear tufts, they are a large owl with mottled dark brown feathers that provide excellent camouflage when in their natural habitat of dry rocky deserts and savannah in sub-Saharan Africa. This owl prefers open grasslands or moorlands with oak or cedar forests and can be found in mountain valleys and gorges up to 12,800ft above sea level.

The Abyssinian Owl has yellow eyes, a black bill and grey eyebrows. It is similar in appearance to the long-eared owl, though the Abyssinian owl is darker. It has prominent dark brown, white-edged ear tufts that are slightly centrally located on its head.

This Eagle Owl is nocturnal and uses the nests of other birds to raise its offspring. The claws of the Abyssinian owl are significantly stronger than other members of the species and as a result has a wider range of prey available, including smaller birds, field mice, and shrews.