Glaucidium capense
The African Barred Owlet, *Glaucidium capense*, is a petite, stocky owl, typically measuring 18-21 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 32-38 cm and weighing between 50-100 grams. Its plumage features a distinctive barring pattern on its upperparts, ranging from grey-brown to rufous-brown depending on the morph, while its underparts are whitish with heavy brown streaking. Key field marks include piercing bright yellow eyes, a lack of ear tufts, and perhaps most notably, two prominent...
This owlet primarily inhabits a variety of woodlands, including riverine forests, dense thickets, and savannas, particularly those with a good understory cover. It is typically found at low to mid-elevations across its range.
Its diet primarily consists of large insects (e.g., crickets, beetles, mantises), but also includes small birds, mammals (rodents, shrews), reptiles (lizards, snakes), and amphibians. It hunts by ambushing from a perch or pursuing prey in flight.
Unlike many owls, the African Barred Owlet is largely diurnal and crepuscular, actively hunting during the day, especially mornings and late afternoons, though it will also hunt on moonlit nights. It employs a sit-and-wait foraging strategy, perching inconspicuously before swooping down on unsusp...
The African Barred Owlet has a wide, disjunct distribution across sub-Saharan Africa. The northern population occurs from Ethiopia and Somalia west to parts of Central Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The southern population extends from southern Angola and Zambia eastwa...
Least Concern
- The African Barred Owlet is one of the most diurnal owl species in Africa, often hunting in full daylight. - Its scientific name, *Glaucidium capense*, refers to the Cape region of South Africa, where it was first described. - The distinctive dark spots on the back of its head resemble eyes, se...