Pearl-spotted Owlet
Glaucidium perlatum
Woodland. Dark brown-grey above well spotted white; streaked brown and white below with large white pearl-like spots.
Owls
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. A very small ‘earless’ owl. upper parts brown with small white spots; underparts white, streaked with brown and with pearl-like spots. Has two black marks on its nape, giving the impression of eyes. The call, often heard by day, is a long series of ascending notes ‘tee-tee-tee-tee-tee-tee-tee-tee…’ followed by a brief pause, then a series of descending notes ‘teeew, teeew, tew, tew, tew, tew, tew…’. Occurs in any woodland, including mopane, mixed bushveld and riverine forests. Often seen by day. It is frequently mobbed by other small birds. A human whistled imitation of the call elicits the same response from small birds.
Quick Facts
Size
15-18 cm - S
Names
A: Witkoluil
Z: iNkovana
Ss: Morubisi Ya Sefubametjhato
G: Perlkauz
Bird Family
Nocturnal, erect-standing birds of prey characterised by large, rounded heads, large forward-facing eyes set in a flattened face and feathered legs (except for Pel's Fishing-Owl). Some have feather adornments on their heads that resemble ears, but they are not used for hearing. Immatures are usually darker and fluffier than adults.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Occurs in any woodland, including 'mopane', mixed bushveld and riverine 'forest's.
