Marsh Owl

Common to uncommon resident. Medium-sized, dark-brown owl with small ear-tufts (often not visible) and dark eyes set in a buff face. Shows russet wings in flight. When flying, sometimes calls ‘kraak’ like fabric being ripped. Occurs singly or in pairs in long grass on marshy ground, in vleis and near dams. Often active early mornings and late afternoons, flying low or perching on a fence post. When flushed from the grass during daytime often flies in circles over the intruder before resettling.