Pearl-spotted Owlet

The pearl-spotted owlet, a diminutive yet captivating bird of prey, graces the sub-Saharan skies. Belonging to the Strigidae family, these true owls are a marvel of evolution. With a modest length of 17 to 21 centimeters, the females slightly outweigh their male counterparts, tipping the scales at around 100 grams compared to the males' 65 grams. Their plumage is a harmonious blend of cinnamon-brown adorned with white spots, while their facial disc is an understated off-white, complemented by striking yellow eyes. A distinctive feature is the pair of black false 'eyes' on the back of their head, outlined in white, which can be quite the deception in the wild.

Identification Tips

When observing these owlets, note the large white spots on their tail and flight feathers, which form conspicuous bars during flight. Their bill and cere are a pale greenish-yellow, and their legs are feathered white with yellow feet. Juveniles share a similar appearance to adults but may have less pronounced head and back spots, and their false 'face' is particularly noticeable.

Habitat

The pearl-spotted owlet thrives in a variety of woodland and bushveld habitats, with a fondness for mopane and open thorn savanna that offer sparse ground cover. They tend to avoid dense woodlands, forests, and open grasslands.

Distribution

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia to western Sudan, and southward through Botswana and Zimbabwe to northern South Africa, Angola, and Namibia.

Behaviour

These owlets are diurnal, often seen active during the day, but they primarily hunt and vocalize at night. They roost in open sites beneath small bushes or shrubs, and exhibit a keen awareness of their surroundings, readily shifting perches if disturbed. When alarmed, they may flick or wag their tail feathers and are known to bathe during the day when water is available. Their flight is characterized by speed and an undulating pattern, with a distinctive whirring of wings.

Song & Calls

The pearl-spotted owlet's vocal repertoire includes a series of shrill, short whistles that build up in tempo and volume, culminating in a crescendo of descending long, loud whistles. During the breeding season, pairs may engage in duets, with the female's pitch being higher. In moments of alarm, they emit soft whistles and peeps.

Breeding

Monogamous and territorial, these owlets are solitary nesters. The male woos the female with food offerings, and the female may call softly from within the nest before laying eggs. They favor old holes made by barbets or woodpeckers for nesting, and a single female may return to the same site for several years. Clutches typically consist of 2 to 4 eggs, with an incubation period of about 29 days.

Similar Species

The African barred owlet is often mistaken for the pearl-spotted owlet. However, the barred owlet has finely barred plumage on the head and back, a blotched breast, and lacks the false 'eyes'. It also has a proportionally larger head.

Diet and Feeding

Pearl-spotted owlets are nocturnal hunters, preying on arthropods like grasshoppers, crickets, and solifuges from low perches. They are also capable of capturing small vertebrates such as rodents, bats, lizards, snakes, and small birds. During the day, they may hunt opportunistically and are often mobbed by smaller birds.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the pearl-spotted owlet as Least Concern due to its extensive range and stable population trend. Although the exact population size is unknown, it is not currently considered to be at risk.