South African Owls Stamp issue date: 3 August 2007 To draw awareness to owls in South Africa, the South African Post Office has issued a set of five stamps, a commemorative envelope and a special cancel on 3 August 2007. Designed by Chris van Rooyen, the owls featured on the stamps are the following: Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus) This is largest owl in Africa, weighing up to 2.3 kg with a wingspan of 1.5 metres. It is a fearsome nocturnal predator which capable of taking large prey. Prey items that have been recorded include a young Vervet Monkey, a Warthog piglet, and a Secretarybird. Hunting activity in daytime has also been observed on occasion. Despite its huge size, it is a strong and nimble flyer, and can even catch birds in flight. Often preys on Southern African Hedgehogs, which it skins neatly to avoid the sharp spikes. It is restricted to the well wooded savannas of South Africa as it needs large trees to roost in during the day. Pel’s Fishing-Owl (Scotopelia peli) This is a large owl, almost the size of the Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. In South Africa it is restricted to the large rivers in the Lowveld, where it occurs sparsely. Needs large trees with overhanging branches from where it hunts by making a long, low strike over the water, or simply dropping straight down into the water. Hunts mainly fish, up to 2kg in size, but also baby Nile Crocodiles, crabs and mussels. It is often mobbed by African Fish Eagles of the latter discovers its roost. Barn Owl (Tyto alba) This is a truly cosmopolitan species, it occurs on all the continents except Antarctica. It is an expert hunter of rodents, and they will breed profusely during outbreaks of rodent plagues. They build no nest, but breed in natural cavities, among rocks or in tree holes, or even in other bird’s nests such as the nests of Sociable Weavers or Hamerkops. It has an eerie, screeching call, which has led to it being regarded as an ill omen by superstitious people. Cape Eagle-Owl (Bubo capensis) The Cape Eagle-Owl is a large, powerful predator capable of taking prey up to the size of a young Dassie or a Common Duiker lamb. It prefers mountainous habitat, and is never found far from rocky ridges. It roosts by day in the shade of a rock or a shrub, usually on the ground. It is very reluctant to fly in daytime, as it is mercilessly mobbed by raptors and crows. It will occasionally prey on other birds, even other owls. It is sometimes confused with the more common Spotted Eagle-Owl, but the latter has yellow, not orange eyes and much weaker claws. African Barred Owlet (Glaucidium capense) This small owl is sometimes active in daytime. It requires tall open woodland with patches of tangled undergrowth, where it likes to sit quite low down while watching the ground intently for signs of prey. It is found mostly in the Lowveld of South Africa, but historical records exist for the species in the Eastern Cape. It is however not clear whether the species is still found in the Eastern Cape. It eats mainly insects, but occasionally catches birds up to the size of the African Hoopoe. It has been observed to chase bats, but it normally prefers less agile prey, including lizards and small snakes. Marsh Owl (Asio capensis) (This owl apprears on the commemorative envelope and the top selvedge of the stamp sheet.) The Marsh Owl is quite common in suitable habitat. It prefers stands of rank grass, usually close to water. It emerges well before dark and is then quite conspicuous while it flies up and down, either hunting or displaying. It can be quite communal at times, with congregations of up to 75 birds roosting together in a small area. It eats mostly rodents, but also the occasional bird and frog. Information supplied by Chris van Rooyen, Endangered Wildlife Trust. |