The African grass owl or simply grass owl is a species of owl in the barn owl family, Tytonidae.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found patchily across moist and rank grasslands, marsh edges, and wet savannas from East to southern Africa, with local populations in central regions. It favors tall, dense grasses and sedges where it can roost and nest concealed at ground level. The species often occurs near vleis, floodplains, and seasonally inundated areas. It avoids heavily disturbed, frequently burned, or overgrazed grasslands. Local movements track prey availability and suitable cover.
Altitude Range
0–2600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The African grass owl is a secretive, long-legged barn-owl that specializes in hunting over tall, rank grass. It often nests on the ground in dense grass, making it vulnerable to burning and heavy grazing. It is frequently confused with the Barn Owl, but has longer legs and prefers wetter grassland habitats. Conservation measures focus on protecting unburned, late-season grasslands and marsh edges.
Grass owl chick rescued from a veld fire and rehabilitated onto Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve in the Gauteng province of South Africa
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
low, buoyant quartering with deep, silent wingbeats; capable of brief hovering
Social Behavior
Generally monogamous and territorial around nesting sites. Nests are shallow scrapes or platforms on the ground in dense, tall grass, often reused if conditions remain suitable. Roosts by day in thick grass clumps, relying on camouflage. Breeding and local movements are timed to peaks in small-mammal abundance.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are mostly harsh, drawn-out hisses and screeches typical of barn-owls. Also gives clicking and rasping calls around the nest and during courtship, with softer contact calls between mates.
