Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
ShrublandCavity nestMedium · 79 g
ID tip
The pearl-spotted owlet is one of the smallest owls in Africa with a length of 17 to 21 cm. The females are slightly larger and heavier (100g) than the males (65g). Both males and females have similar plumage colouration. The facial disc is off-white and the eyes are yellow. At the back of the head there are two striking false black 'eyes' with a white outline. The upper parts are cinnamon-brown with white spots. The tail and flight feathers are brown, with large white spots forming bars in flight. The bill and cere are pale greenish yellow, the legs are feathered white and feet are yellow. Voice: Pearl-spotted owlets call by day and night, especially before breeding, but are quiet when nesting. They have a distinct call: a loud series of shrill, short whistles that accelerate in tempo and rise in volume to a crescendo of long, loud whistles that descend in pitch and volume, peu peu peu-peu-peu peeuu peeeuu. A breeding pair may call in duet, whereby the female is higher pitched.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Pearl-spotted Owlet
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Pearl-spotted Owlet
The map shades 28 countries with regular records, and 5 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Guinea, Sudan, Congo - Kinshasa, Eritrea, Mauritania.
About the Pearl-spotted Owlet
The pearl-spotted owlet is a small bird of prey found in sub-Saharan Africa. They belong to the Strigidae family, otherwise known as the typical owls or the true owls, which contains most species of owl. As part of the genus Glaucidium, or pygmy owls, they are commonly referred to as 'owlets' due to their diminutive size. Pearl-spotted owlets are brownish and heavily spotted white, with two distinct black false 'eyes' at the back of their head. They are often confused with an African barred owlet.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Asian Barred OwletGlaucidium cuculoidesThe Asian barred owlet is a small owl that sits at 22–25 cm (8.7–9.8 in).
Northern Pygmy OwlGlaucidium gnomaThe adult mountain pygmy owl is approximately 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length.
Austral Pygmy OwlGlaucidium nanaThe austral pygmy owl is 17 to 21 cm (6.7 to 8.3 in) long.
Side by side: Jungle Owlet vs Pearl-spotted Owlet · Northern Pygmy Owl vs Pearl-spotted Owlet · Asian Barred Owlet vs Pearl-spotted Owlet · Austral Pygmy Owl vs Pearl-spotted Owlet
Learn the Pearl-spotted Owlet in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.