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.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in dry and semi-arid savannas, thornveld, and open woodland, especially with scattered trees and edges. It frequents Acacia and broad-leafed woodlands, riparian thickets, and lightly wooded farmland and gardens. Avoids dense rainforest and the most treeless deserts but tolerates mosaic habitats and human-altered edges. Typically uses natural cavities or old woodpecker holes for nesting and day roosts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This diminutive owl is unusually active by day and sports two bold false 'eye' spots on the back of its head that deter predators. It is often mobbed by small birds, which can help birders locate it. Pearl-spotted owlets nest in tree cavities and are fierce for their size, taking prey nearly as large as themselves. Their clear, whistled call carries far across African savannas.
Temperament
bold and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs and strongly territorial. Pairs are monogamous and nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes, with the male provisioning the incubating female. Frequently mobbed by small passerines, which it sometimes preys upon. Roosts in cavities or dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes that accelerate into a rapid piping sequence, often given during the day and at dusk. Also produces scolding chatters and softer contact calls between mates.
Plumage
Compact, brown upperparts densely sprinkled with small white 'pearls'; underparts whitish with fine brown streaks and barring. Crown and mantle heavily spotted; tail barred. Nape shows striking black-and-white occipital eye-spots. Feathers tight and sleek, giving a neat, rounded appearance.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and termites. Also takes spiders and scorpions, and opportunistically small lizards, rodents, and small birds. Hunts from exposed perches with quick sallies to the ground or nearby vegetation and may cache surplus prey.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along woodland edges, scattered savanna trees, thorn scrub, and riparian thickets. Often hunts from low to mid-level perches with good visibility, including fence posts and isolated branches near clearings and tracks.
