Generally scarce and localized; found in marsh, grassland, and heath. The African Grass Owl is a notoriously difficult bird to locate and as such it is very sought-after by birdwatchers. Photo Gallery (2 pictures) Information. Some Aquatic Birds can fly while others can't. African grass owls use a clicking call to communicate with each other. In flight, shows a buff mark at the front of the wing. Grain spillage from transport trucks attracts rats to the roadside, which in turn attracts hungry owls. Comprehensive life histories for all bird species and families. Generally scarce and localized; found in marsh, grassland, and heath. So when travelling our highways and byways, do your bit and “Hoot” if you see an owl. African grass owl has Burrow type of nest which is build by Both. The African Grass Owl is a medium-sized owl with long legs and no ear-tufts. The eyes are brownish-black, and the bill is whitish to pale pink. Humans, and their impact on African grass owl habitat, seem … Breeding of African Grass Owl The African Grass Owl chiefly breeds from February to April, but they may also breed during December to August. It was grouped with the Arabian scops owl, Socotra scops owl, and the Annobon scops owl into Otus senegalensis; however these species are now considered to be separate. Long-winged owl with a dark back, pale underparts, and a pale, heart-shaped face. Description. The nest of the African Grass Owl is a low hollow, lined with grass at the last part of a grass tunnel. African grass owl Facts. Calls include a short, rough scream and low, creaking notes. There are about 10,000 species of birds present in world. Long-winged owl with a dark back, pale underparts, and a pale, heart-shaped face. Every bird species has unique features. Calls include a short, rough scream and low, creaking notes. Language Common name; Dutch: Kaapse Grasuil: English, Kenya: Grass Owl: English, United States: African Grass-Owl: French: Effraie du Cap: German: Kapgraseule: Japanese The central tail feathers are dark brown, and the outer ones pale. Nesting on the ground makes it common for a nest to be destroyed, but specific reports of predation are not found in the literature. The species is extirpated in south-western South Africa and Lesotho, and the combined pressure from development; fire mismanagement; land clearing for agriculture; overgrazing; afforestation and roadkill are of serious concern for the species . Eyes are brownish-black, and the bill is whitish to pale pink. 1 Taxonomy 2 Description 2.1 Voice 3 Distribution 4 Habitat 5 Biology 6 Conservation Status The African grass owl species is regarded by some authors as the same species as the eastern grass owl (Tyto longimembris) of Asia and Australia. Birders are urged to please refrain from walking through known breeding habitat in order to flush the birds and do not use call-playback to lure owls closer as they are very sensitive to disturbance, as highlighted in the case above. Can be confused with Marsh Owl but shows a pale face, paler underparts, and less barring on the wings and tail in flight. The African Grass Owl Tyto capensis is considered Vulnerable in South Africa, with between 1 000 and 5 000 birds remaining in this country , 2000). The entire upperparts from the crown to the lower back and wing-coverts are a uniform sooty blackish-brown, with scattered small white spots and greyish flecks. The African scops owl is a small owl, measuring 17 cm (6.7 in) in length. Although blinded by your headlights, if an owl can hear you coming, they will try and get out of the way. The species is extirpated in south-western South Africa and Lesotho, and the combined pressure from development; fire mismanagement; land clearing for agriculture; overgrazing; afforestation and roadkill are of serious concern for the species . Description: The facial disc is whitish-cream, with a thin yellowish-buff rim that is densely spotted dark. The African scops owl was formerly regarded as the African subspecies of the scops owl. Similar to Barn Owl in shape and size but shows a much darker back that contrasts with the pale underparts. Grass owls are also prone to being hit by motor vehicles because of their low-level hunting style. The African grass owl resembles the barn owl and has a heart shaped whitish-cream facial disc, with a narrow yellowish-buff rim which is densely spotted dark. There are few amazing facts you might want to know about them. The African grass owl (Tyto capensis) is a species of owl in the barn owl family, Tytonidae. The African grass owl (Tyto capensis), is a species of barn owl in the Tytonidae family. Free, global bird ID and field guide app powered by your sightings and media. The female owl usually lays 2 to 4 white colored eggs, with the standard interval of 2 days. It is also known as the Common Grass Owl. In flight, shows a buff mark at the front of the wing. The African Grass Owl Tyto capensis is considered Vulnerable in South Africa, with between 1 000 and 5 000 birds remaining in this country , 2000). Take Merlin with you in the field! Description. The central tail feathers are dark brown, and the outer ones pale.