- Life expectancy
- Clutch size
- Usually 4–6 eggs
- Global status
- Activity
Identification
The heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes are unmistakable. Long wings, a short tail and pale underparts mark it in flight; it has no ear tufts.
Colours
Adult
Heart-shaped pale facial disc, dark eyes and golden-grey upperparts. The underparts range from white to rusty buff; the sexes overlap in colour and spotting.
Behaviour
Hunts mainly at night and at dusk. Its acute hearing helps it locate hidden small mammals. By day it often roosts in buildings; its call is a harsh screech.
Breeding & rearing
Breeds in sheltered niches in buildings, tree holes and nest boxes. The female starts incubating early, so young of different ages grow up together. They fledge after about eight weeks.
