Pearl-spotted Owlet - Glaucidium perlatum

Another of Africa’s small owls. Its name is derived from the spots on top of their head. They are mostly crepuscular hunting at dusk and dawn. One peculiar attribute, as can be seen in the gallery below, are the false eyes on the back of their head. They are often given away by the alarm calls of other birds as they mob this small owl

This widespread little owl of Africa is listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Redlist. They have a stable population but will face issues with habitat degradation.