Tyto capensis
Records: 39
Drafted by: Faansie Peacock
Draft Text Last Updated: 14 June 2005
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Distribution: This species was recorded at 12 localities – In particular, it was encountered regularly at Buffelsdrift Conservancy (11 records =28%) and from Elandsvlei (10 records =26%). Most sightings were obtained S and E of Pretoria, although there were isolated records from Verena (R. Geddes), Zaagkuildrift (E. Retief) and Roets’ Farm (G. Boyle).
Gaps in Knowledge: Proper estimates of the population size in the PCC area are urgently required. Birders should take care to distinguish this species from the more common Marsh Owl, with which it often coexists. The pale heart-shaped face, heavy head, pale underparts, longer legs, lack of ear tufts, lack of large golden windows on the upperwings, longer wings and more buoyant flight action should be noted.
Habitat: Associated with wetland edges, where it breeds and roosts in dense stands of long grass on a dry to moist substrate. Well-developed stands of the grass, Imperata cylindrica, are often used for breeding, as the exceptionally broad and hard leaf blade provides a good structure for construction of nesting tunnels. This grass is not very palatable, but is resistant to seasonal veldfires and plays an important role in soil erosion control (Van Oudtshoorn 1994). In exceptional cases, they may be found in grass stands away from water.
Status and movements: Recorded in all months of the year. If conditions remain suitable, pairs may persist in one locality for extended periods. After fires, human disturbance, overgrazing or crashes in rodent prey population, they vacate their normal haunts, probably settling nearby. Nomadic, with individuals sometimes being encountered in unusual sites, including isolated patches of habitat in suburban areas (pers. obs).
Population: The total population for South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland is estimated at 1000 - 5000 individuals. The PCC region possibly supports 100+ birds, but under-recorded due to their nocturnal activities, and accurate predictions are difficult to make. Tarboton & Erasmus (1998) found this species was outnumbered 9:1 by the Marsh Owl in areas where they occur together. The PCC data indicate a 5.5:1 ratio. A nest with 4 eggs was found on 13 February 2002 (E. Marais).
Conservation: Classified as Vulnerable (Barnes 2000). Declines in numbers related to human density increases, land-use practices and fire regime. The long, rank grass habitat of this species is often under severe pressure for agriculture, grazing or human settlements. Refraining from burning, ploughing or allowing cattle to graze areas in which the owls are known to breed from February to May, will be greatly beneficial to the conservation of this ecologically useful species.
Disturbance from people (including birders), dogs and cattle poses significant problems, especially in the late summer to mid-winter breeding season. Birders should refrain from flushing the birds at the daytime roost – excellent views of hunting birds are usually possible at dusk. It was recorded in several protected areas including Bronkhorstspruit NR, Diepsloot NR, Rietvlei NR, Suikerbosrand NR, Ezemvelo PGP, Buffelsdrift Conservancy, Premier Mine PNR and Marievale BS.