Glaucidium tephronotum
The Red-chested Owlet (Glaucidium tephronotum) is a striking, small owl endemic to the tropical and montane forests of central and eastern Africa. Measuring approximately 15-17 cm in length and weighing 50-75 grams, it is characterized by its ashy-gray crown and back, contrasting sharply with its bright rufous (reddish-brown) chest and belly, which give it its common name. Distinctive field marks include its vivid yellow eyes, lack of a prominent facial disc, and feathered tarsi. As a member ...
This owlet primarily inhabits moist lowland and montane tropical forests, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2,200 meters, though occasionally lower. It thrives in both primary and secondary growth forests, as well as forest edges and clearings.
Its diet predominantly consists of large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and moths, supplemented by small vertebrates including small birds, rodents, lizards, and frogs. It is primarily a sit-and-wait predator, striking from an elevated perch.
The Red-chested Owlet is notably active during both day and crepuscular hours, often heard and seen in broad daylight, though it also hunts nocturnally. It typically roosts in dense foliage, often near the trunk of a tree. Its foraging strategy involves perching quietly, often at a mid-level heig...
The Red-chested Owlet is endemic to equatorial Africa, spanning a broad but somewhat disjunct distribution across Central and East Africa. Its breeding range encompasses countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko Island), Gabon, Republic of the Congo,...
Least Concern
- Despite its small size (just 15-17 cm long), the Red-chested Owlet is a fierce predator, capable of tackling prey nearly as large as itself. - It is one of the few owl species that is regularly active during daylight hours, making it a favorite among diurnal birdwatchers. - Its distinctive rufo...