Pearl-spotted Owlet
A species of Pygmy-owls Scientific name : Glaucidium perlatum Genus : Pygmy-owls
Pearl-spotted Owlet, A species of Pygmy-owls
Botanical name: Glaucidium perlatum
Genus: Pygmy-owls
Content
Description General Info
Description
The pearl-spotted owlet is small (about 19 cm (7.5 in)) and stocky, with a longish tail. The upperparts are rich brown, heavily spotted with white and showing a white shoulder bar. The underparts are white, streaked with brown. The facial disc is white and the eyes are yellow, it has been said to have a "cross" expression. There are two eyespots on the nape. Sexes are similar, but young birds are paler with a shorter tail and may have more prominent eye spots on the nape. The flight is deeply undulating.
Size
20 cm
Feeding Habits
Pearl-spotted Owlet consumes a diet of arthropods, bats, birds, rodents, and lizards. It hunts day and night by perching and watching for prey, diving swiftly to strike with strong feet. Unique adaptations include a 'false face' for surprise attacks and the ability to pirate food from other birds.
Habitat
Pearl-spotted Owlet predominantly resides in bushveld and open savanna woodlands, adapting well to a variety of habitats including grasslands and riverine forests. It frequents rural and semi-urban areas, often seen in villages and gardens. Pearl-spotted Owlet tends to avoid dense rainforests and montane forests, as well as areas characterized by tall grasses.
Dite type
Carnivorous
General Info
Distribution Area
The pearl-spotted owlet occurs in sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal in the west, east to Sudan and Eritrea, south to eastern South Africa and then north through Namibia to western Angola. It avoids dense rainforests, montane forests and treeless areas such as deserts. Two subspecies are currently recognised: Glaucidium perlatum perlatum: Senegal and Gambia to western Sudan Glaucidium perlatum licua: Eastern Sudan and Ethiopia to northern South Africa, Angola and Namibia.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Owls Family
True owls Genus
Pygmy-owls Species
Pearl-spotted Owlet