Accessed Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. A terrestrial biome found in temperate latitudes (>23.5° N or S latitude). 2009. The use of feathers in monitoring bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in the South African endangered African grass-owl. Males bring females food during incubation. Grain spillage from transport trucks attracts rats to the roadside, which in turn attracts hungry owls. November 04, 2013 Journal of Raptor Research, 33: 134-142. Humans, and their impact on African grass owl habitat, seem to be the most prominent threat to this species. (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. The Animal Diversity Web team is excited to announce ADW Pocket Guides! They move roosting areas if there is a shortage of food, but prefer to stay in one place. Adults feature a heart-shaped facial disc that is white in color and outlined in yellow with dark colored spots. Burton, J. T. capensis. Owls of the World their evolution, structure, and ecology. Contributor Galleries Savannas are grasslands with scattered individual trees that do not form a closed canopy. You are provided with more African grass owl facts like their scientific classification, sound, habitat, lifespan, breeding pattern, young ones and also about their nesting habits. The clicking calls also assist these birds in hunting and navigating effectively in their habitat. At 7 weeks old, the chicks start to learn to fly. As a result, very little was known about the ecology of this species. The African Grass Owl species is considered susceptible in South Africa, together with 1,000 to 5,000 birds. 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 … Ansara-Ross, T., V. Wepener, G. Verdoorn, M. Ross. at http://www.iucnredlist.org. 2009. Extensive savannas are found in parts of subtropical and tropical Africa and South America, and in Australia. 1973. Females lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are white and approximately 41 by 32 mm in size. McKinney, J. They have dark brown or black eyes and pale pink or white beaks. (Reigert, et al., 2007), African grass owls are most commonly observed near bodies of water, such as creeks, ponds, or marshes. having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Ecotourism implies that there are existing programs that profit from the appreciation of natural areas or animals. having markings, coloration, shapes, or other features that cause an animal to be camouflaged in its natural environment; being difficult to see or otherwise detect. Baxter, R., A. Matshili. humans benefit economically by promoting tourism that focuses on the appreciation of natural areas or animals. Humans and African grass owls rarely have any contact. Taxon Information The toes of African grass owls are bristled. African grass owl has Burrow type of nest which is build by Both. at http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/OSTRICH.2007.78.1.11.55. Diet of sympatric African grass owl (Tyto capensis) and spotted eagle owl (Bubo africanus) in the Bamenda Highlands, NW Cameroon. Huntingdon, GBR: A & C Black. The central tail feathers are dark brown, and the outer ones pale. Classification, To cite this page: the region of the earth that surrounds the equator, from 23.5 degrees north to 23.5 degrees south. The African Grass Owl is one of the owl species that belongs to the genus Tyto of the Tytonidae family. The facial disk is brown and pales towards the outer edges. Festivals are thrown for African grass owls to celebrate and bring recognition to their declining populations. ), 2000). Some Aquatic Birds can fly while others can't. Nesting on the ground makes it common for a nest to be destroyed, but specific reports of predation are not found in the literature. There are few amazing facts you might want to know about them. (Crafford and Ferguson, 1999), African grass owls generally breed between December and August. Accessed London: GBR: A&C. Research is limited in this area due to the secretive and nocturnal behavior of African grass owls. The domed platform created at the end of a tunnel serves as either the nest or daytime roost site. (BirdLife International, 2012). Tunnels can be several metres … (Ansara-Ross, et al., 2009; Burton, 1973; Konig, et al., 2010; Redman, et al., 2009), African grass owls are monogamous. (Burton, 1973; Konig, et al., 2010), African grass owls are primarily nocturnal. (Brown, et al., 2009; Burton, 1973; Konig, et al., 2010), Both female and male African grass owls provide parental investment in the development of the young. Redman, N., T. Stevenson, J. Fanshawe. Food supply determines where birds choose to nest. African grass owls are most commonly observed near bodies of water, such as creeks, ponds, or marshes. "Tyto capensis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, 79: 83-86. at http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/OSTRICH.2008.79.1.11.366.