African Grass Owl

Tyto capensis

Identification

The upperparts are dark brown and the underparts whitish. Round face.

Distribution

Sub Saharan Africa.

Taxonomy

Until recently, the Eastern Grass Owl was considered to be part of the present species which at that time was known only as "Grass Owl".

This is a monotypic species.

Habitat

Wet grasslands.

Behaviour

It roosts and nests on the ground, forming tunnels in the grass.

They are largely nocturnal, emerging shortly after dusk.

The diet includes rodents, particularly Vlei Rats, but also birds, reptiles, frogs and insects.

External Links

The following link will find images labeled as Tyto capensis; notice however, that at the time of editing, all eight images show the Eastern Grass Owl but was labeled with the pre-split name.

Search for photos of African Grass Owl in the gallery