African Barred Owlet
Glaucidium capense
The African Barred Owlet (Glaucidium capense) is a rare owl found in 14 countries, weighing about 122 g. The African barred owlet is a species of small owl in the family Strigidae found in much of southern, central and eastern Africa.
About the African Barred Owlet
The African barred owlet is a species of small owl in the family Strigidae found in much of southern, central and eastern Africa. The taxon may be four species rather than a single species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The African barred owlet is a small owlet that shows some geographic variation (see Taxonomy). The nominate subspecies is greyish brown above with fine buff bars and a narrow white eyebrow. The scapulars and greater wing coverts have white outer webs with dark brown tips and form a white stripe across the shoulder and the folded wing. The brown chest is finely barred with buff and the breast and flanks are white with brown spots. The underwing coverts, legs and vent are white, while the flight feathers and tail are brown barred with rufous. Voice: The call of the African barred owlet is a series of single pitched purring notes.
Where it lives
When to see it
The African Barred Owlet can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an African Barred Owlet?
- The African barred owlet is a small owlet that shows some geographic variation (see Taxonomy). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an African Barred Owlet?
- The African Barred Owlet is a medium sized bird weighing about 122 g.
- Where can you see an African Barred Owlet?
- The African Barred Owlet occurs in 14 countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- What birds look similar to an African Barred Owlet?
- The African Barred Owlet is most easily confused with the Cuban Pygmy Owl, the Amazonian Pygmy Owl and the Andean Pygmy Owl.
Learn the African Barred Owlet for real
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