Pearl-spotted Owlet
Call & Sounds

Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum)

Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum)

The Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) is a small species of owl found in sub-Saharan Africa.  They are common in a range of habitats including bushveld and open savanna woodland. Pearl-spotted Owlets are mostly diurnal and can often be heard calling during the day, however they also call and hunt at night.

What does a Pearl-spotted Owlet sound like? Pearl-spotted Owlets give a sequence of repetitive mellow piping ‘peoo’ notes which build in intensity followed by a series of downslurred clear, strident ‘pyeeeuw’ whistles. Variations of this series are common and often shorter phrases include only the strident, shrill whistles. These calls are often given by pairs as a duet, with the female notes high-pitched than the male. Other sounds include higher-pitched squeaky whistles and soft peeps. 

Listen to some examples of Pearl-spotted Owlet calls and sounds below.