Topics [2] In southern Africa this species generally prefers marshes and vleis where there are patches of tall, rank grass and other vegetation but it may also be found in fynbos, renosterveld and acacia scrub close to water. November 04, 2013 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. I initially investigated the habitat and diet of the African Grass-Owl on the Highveld of South Africa for my B.Tech. Last year was a busy one for all South Africans. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Tyto capensis. and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). African Grass Owl. Speeding cars, predators and fires kill them. It roosts during the day on the ground in tall, rank grass where it creates domed platforms and tunnels by trampling down the surrounding grass. Sexual dimorphism of four owl species in South Africa. The more owls in one territory results in fewer resources. Convergent in birds. African grass owl has Burrow type of nest which is build by Both. The African Wood Owl, Strix woodfordii, is a medium-sized owl with dark eyes and no ear tufts. (Crafford and Ferguson, 1999), African grass owls prefer to eat small rodents, such as shrews or African vlei rats (Otoyms). An analysis of Barn and Grass Owl pellets from Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa. the region of the earth that surrounds the equator, from 23.5 degrees north to 23.5 degrees south. The central tail feathers are dark brown, and the outer ones pale. Long-winged owl with a dark back, pale underparts, and a pale, heart-shaped face. This owl species is found in a vast range of African countries including Botswana, Angola, Kenya, Congo, Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, South Africa, and Burundi. The Northern pygmy-owls due to their small size go for humming birds, warblers, wrens, creepers, stralings, finches and swallows. There are many groups that are working closely with the government to conduct research and educate people about African grass owls. offspring are produced in more than one group (litters, clutches, etc.) But you may also find it going after black crake and African snipe. The bird also eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. Barn owls live between 1 and 5 years in the wild and between 20 and 25 years in captivity. African grass owls (Tyto capensis) range through the wetlands of sub-equatorial Africa and are also found in the high altitudes of the Cameroon Mountains. However, reintroduction of the African grass owl is not a simple process because supplementary feeding is required and the habitat must be suitable and contain sufficient prey. November 04, 2013 The omnivores they eat are those that … [2], It is distributed in sub-Saharan Africa where there are two blocks of its main range, one in central southern Africa across southern Congo and northern Angola to the central coast of Mozambique and the other centred on South Africa from the Western Cape north to the southern extremities of Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique. Females incubate the eggs for 32 to 42 days. uses smells or other chemicals to communicate. [1][2], The African grass owl is found in moist grassland and open savanna up to an elevation of 3,200 m (10,500 ft). African grass-owl translation in English-French dictionary. (BirdLife International, 2012; Burton, 1973; Konig, et al., 2010), African grass owls are found most commonly in areas of tall grass and near bodies of water. There are few amazing facts you might want to know about them. [2] Prey which are fed to the young are often first decapitated. Due to their proximity to humans, they have even been found occasionally stopping by bird feeders put out by homeowners. London: GBR: A&C. National Science Foundation The female feeds the young taking food brought by the male for the first 10 days; after which, both parents feed the chicks. [6], The preferred prey of the African grass owl are rodents and other small mammals normally weighing less than 100 g (3.5 oz) and taken from the ground. Accessed The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! humans benefit economically by promoting tourism that focuses on the appreciation of natural areas or animals. Humans, and their impact on African grass owl habitat, seem to be the most prominent threat to this species. Their nocturnal habits make it difficult for observations to be completed. For the first 10 days, females continue to stay with the chicks. Also called as Common Grass Owl, African Grass Owl (Tyto capensis) is a medium-sized owl with a heart-shaped facial disc. As in Asia, new species are still being discovered. (Ansara-Ross, et al., 2013; Reigert, et al., 2007). 1973. Contributor Galleries Serpents that can climb trees will eat baby owls or owl eggs if they get the chance. having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. at http://www.iucnredlist.org. Owls eat different types of birds, most of which are smaller than them. Africa is home to more than 30 species of owl including some that eat fish. They play a role in managing populations of small rodents in sub-Saharan Africa. Extensive savannas are found in parts of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America, and in Australia. [6], African grass owls have been recorded as being preyed on by the African marsh harrier Circus ranivorus. A high-pitched sibilant tremolo lasting one to two seconds is thought to be the song of the male. BirdLife International, 2012. The African Grass Owl likes grasslands and open savannahs, close to water. These tunnels can be several metres long and connect with other tunnels. Konig, C., F. Weick, J. Becking. The preferred prey of the African grass owl are rodents and other small mammals normally weighing less than 100 g (3.5 oz) and taken from the ground. Hunting & Food: The African Grass Owl prefers rodents and other small mammals up to about 100g, taken from the ground. After attaining five weeks of age the owlets begin to wander around the nest, before attempting their first flights at around seven weeks. Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, 79: 83-86. The African Grass Owl is currently listed as Vulnerable in The Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland and has suffered considerable loss of habitat due to rapid urbanisation and disturbance within its range in South Africa.