Glaucidium capense
African Barred Owlets inhabit tall, open woodlands, especially along rivers and forest edges, where they hunt from dusk to dawn (and sometimes on overcast days) for insects and small rodents and reptiles. These are small owls, with a wingspan up to 40cm and weighing only 100-140g.
Pairs of African Barred Owlets are monogamous, defend a territory and nest in holes in large trees during spring. Clutches containing 2 or 3 eggs are incubated by the female for between 4 and 5 weeks. Chicks fledge at around 6 weeks old, but can be dependent on their parents for many months thereafter still.
African Barred Owlets occurs over much of central, eastern and southern Africa, with an isolated population in Ghana and the Ivory Coast in west Africa. In South Africa they are found in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo (mostly in and around the Kruger National Park), with a small and isolated population (G.c.capense) on the coast and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape between East London and Port Elizabeth. Genetic studies may well prove the latter population, considered locally threatened, to be a separate species. The IUCN considers the African Barred Owlet of least concern, despite noting a decrease in its population.
DeWetsWild 
That’s some nice night shots. And what appears to be a very friendly owl. 🦉
Thank you very much, Steve. He was very obliging!
Wonderful night photo of the little guy! ❤
Thanks a lot, Teresa!
Is there such a thing as a bad photo of an owl? This little guy is adorable!
I can show you many bad photos of owls, Joanne. But I won’t. 😀
hahahaha! The photo might be bad, but the owl will still be cute 😉
Yep, thankfully!
oh my goodness, how can one not adore your african barred owlet? that first image would work for halloween – best seller!
We’re always thrilled when we see one of them, Lisa!
Hi guys. The owl in another bird that seems to have disappeared from the area of Durban that I live in. Such a pity. The African barred owl is one I haven’t ever come across, it is a very attractive bird.
I wonder whether better pest control measures haven’t eradicated rodents from our suburbs and thus the owls had to go as well?
Probably but also I think it is mainly habitat loss. More and more bush and tall trees are cut down daily to make room for ‘development.’
That is also entirely true, Kim.
A beautiful little owl. Owls have always fascinated me, and even other people, I can believe. Is it day-active?
They’re sometimes about during daylight hours on overcast days, John, but mostly only from sunset to sunrise.
Those eyes!!!!
I bet they see straight into your soul!
Yes!
Gorgeous and very cute too. Owls are amazing creatures.
We’re entirely in agreement, E.C.
Welcome here!
I love these! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for coming to have a look, Rebel Girl!