Glaucidium perlatum
These tiny owls (75g weight, 30cm wingspan) are mainly nocturnal in habit (like most other owls), but are often also active during the day, especially in winter, and then its position is frequently given away by other birds mobbing it. It feeds primarily on a wide variety of invertebrates, but will also take small reptiles, eggs, birds, bats and rodents. Pearl-spotted Owlets nest in holes in trees in the springtime, lying 2 – 4 eggs. Pairs defend their territories year-round.
The Pearl-spotted Owlet is a common resident of the savannas and woodlands of Sub-Saharan Africa, and listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN. In South Africa it is found from the north of Kwazulu-Natal through Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and North West Province to the Kalahari regions of the Northern Cape.
DeWetsWild 
Love these little guys
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And now you probably see them quite often, Cal?
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I haven’t seen them too often, but I have a pair of Barred Owlets at my house.
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There is just something so endearing about an owl, but I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing one in the wild. You have so many great photos – almost like the accommodating little guy was posing for you!
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Thanks a lot, Joanne – It has taken many visits over many years to South Africa’s wild places just to put this small gallery together!
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Your persistence has paid off!
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Very kind of you!
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So sweet 👍😀
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Most definitely! Thanks, Elle!
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Such a cutie!!! I have a special place in my heart for owls. To hear one is magical. But to see one? That’s gotta be a gift from somewhere. And this little one is especially adorable.
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Owls are Marilize’s favourite bird by far as well, Janet. Her day is made whenever we encounter an owl.
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Well spotted and such a beautiful bird.
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Thanks a lot, P J B!
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Beautiful little owl. You’ve really caught it well on photo. 🙂 I have not been lucky enough to shoot anyone at all.
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Thanks John! I can’t claim to have “found” them posing so nicely, it really is just a question of being in the right place at the right time.
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Yes it is. Right time at te right place, an a lot of patience 🙂
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I love owls! (who doesn’t?) This is a great collection, de Wets.
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They’re Marilize’s favourite bird as well. Thanks Jane!
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Adorable.
janet
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They are most certainly, thanks Janet!
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Very pretty little owl!
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They certainly are, and thanks to being partially diurnal probably one of the most seen owls we have.
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Beautiful!
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Thanks, Jan!
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‘other birds mobbing it…’ Other birds attack it? Such a cute little thing.
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Indeed they do, Lois, in the hope that irritating it to leave the general area will safeguard themselves and their chicks.
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