African barred owlet
The African barred owlet is a small owl species found across southern, central, and eastern Africa. It inhabits open woodlands and gallery forests, and is notable for being partly diurnal, often seen hunting during daylight hours. Its call is a distinctive purring sound, and it feeds on a variety of small prey.
Key Facts
- ›Found in southern, central, and eastern Africa.
- ›Inhabits open habitats with trees like woodlands and gallery forests.
- ›Partly diurnal, hunting during the day and active at dawn and dusk.
- ›Feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, and scorpions.
- ›Nests in tree cavities, laying two to three eggs.
- ›Call is a series of single-pitched purring notes.
Barred Owl In Southern Africa
Gallery Forest, Woodland, Forest Edge, Secondary Growth, Open Habitats With Trees
Southern Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa
Small Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Frogs, Insects, Scorpions, Caterpillars
About African barred owlet
The African barred owlet (Glaucidium capense) is a small owl species found across a wide expanse of southern, central, and eastern Africa. It is recognized for its partially diurnal habits, often being observed hunting and active during daylight hours, as well as during the twilight periods of dawn and dusk.
Description and Identification
This owlet typically measures around 17 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 40 cm. Its plumage is characterized by a greyish-brown coloration on its upperparts, adorned with fine buff bars and a distinct narrow white eyebrow. A notable feature is a white stripe across the shoulder, formed by the white outer webs and dark brown tips of the scapulars and greater wing coverts. The chest is finely barred with buff, while the breast and flanks display white with brown spotting. Complementing its plumage are white underwing coverts, legs, and vent, with brown flight feathers and tail exhibiting rufous barring. The bill and cere are a dull greenish-yellow, and its eyes, legs, and feet are bright yellow.
Distribution and Habitat
The African barred owlet is endemic to southern and eastern Africa, with its range extending from Kenya and the Eastern Cape to western Angola. It prefers open habitats that are interspersed with trees, such as gallery forests, woodlands, forest edges, and areas of secondary growth.
Behavior and Diet
This species is partly diurnal, meaning it is active during the day as well as at night. Calling activity is most frequent at dusk and dawn, but can also occur through the night on clear, calm evenings. African barred owlets are often seen perched in the open, scanning for prey, even during the day. They typically roost within cover, frequently utilizing natural tree cavities. Other birds may mob them if they are detected during daylight hours. Their diet comprises small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, scorpions, and caterpillars, which are usually caught after a short flight from a perch.
Reproduction
Both sexes of the African barred owlet participate in calling to establish and proclaim their territory, a behavior most pronounced before the breeding season. Nests are typically established in tree cavities located between 3 to 6 meters above the ground. The clutch size usually consists of two or three eggs, laid between September and November. Both parents are responsible for feeding the young, which fledge after approximately 30–33 days and become independent between 7 to 12 months of age.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the African barred owlet look like?
The African barred owlet is a small owl, typically around 17 cm in length with a 40 cm wingspan. Its plumage is greyish-brown with buff bars, a white eyebrow, and a white stripe across the shoulder. It has yellow eyes, legs, and feet, and a dull greenish-yellow bill.
Where is the African barred owlet found?
This owl species is endemic to southern and eastern Africa, with its range extending from Kenya and the Eastern Cape to western Angola. It can be found in countries like Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What kind of habitat does the African barred owlet prefer?
The African barred owlet thrives in open habitats that feature trees. This includes gallery forests, woodlands, forest edges, and areas of secondary growth.
When is the African barred owlet most active?
While owls are often nocturnal, the African barred owlet is partly diurnal. It is active during twilight hours (dusk and dawn) and can also be observed hunting and calling during the day, especially on calm, clear nights.
What does the African barred owlet eat?
Its diet consists of small prey caught after short flights from a perch. This includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, scorpions, and caterpillars.
How does the African barred owlet reproduce?
Both male and female African barred owlets call to proclaim territory, most actively before breeding. They typically nest in tree cavities between 3 to 6 meters off the ground, laying two to three eggs from September to November. Both parents feed the young.
Related Owl species
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