African Barred Owlet

Overview

The African barred owlet (Glaucidium capense) is a small owl species found in southern, central, and eastern Africa. Although classified as a single species in some contexts, it may represent a complex of up to four separate species.

Identification

• Length of about 17 cm with a wingspan of roughly 40 cm.
• Greyish brown upperparts with fine buff bars, white outer webs on scapulars, and a narrow white eyebrow.
• Brown chest finely barred with buff, while the breast and flanks are white with brown spots.
• Dull greenish-yellow bill and cere, with yellow eyes, legs, and feet.
• Call consists of a series of single-pitched purring notes.

Habitat

Endemic to regions ranging from Kenya and the Eastern Cape to Western Angola. It inhabits open environments containing trees, such as gallery forests, woodlands, forest edges, and secondary growth.

Diet

Feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, insects, scorpions, and caterpillars. Prey is typically caught following a short flight from a perch.

Did you know?

Both sexes feed their young exclusively in the dark, even though the species is partly diurnal. The chicks fledge after 30–33 days but require 7–12 months to become fully independent.