African Grass Owl
NameAfrican Grass Owl
Common NameAfrican Grass Owl
Scientific NameTyto capensis
FamilyTytonidae
Wingspan (cm)80
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)400
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown to blackish, heavily spotted with white or buff. Underparts are pale, often buff or whitish, with sparse dark spots. The facial disc is pale buff to whitish, bordered by a darker rufous-brown rim, and the eyes are dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of hisses, screeches, and chirps, often less harsh than some other barn owls. They may also produce a soft 'krrreee' call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeDiscontinuously distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with populations found in West, East, Central, and Southern Africa, often in isolated patches of suitable habitat.
Identifying FeaturesHeart-shaped pale facial disc, Dark brown upperparts with white spots, Long, feathered legs, Pale underparts with sparse spotting, Nocturnal hunting over grasslands
Description
The African Grass Owl is a medium-sized owl characterized by its distinctive heart-shaped facial disc and long legs. It is a nocturnal hunter, typically found soaring silently over open grasslands and wetlands in search of prey.
