OWLS AND NIGHTJARS
Many species of owl contribute to the rich array of birds found in the Park. All are nocturnal predators which capture and feed on small creatures such as other birds, enormous numbers of mice, frogs, in sects and sometimes even hares. An exception is the very rare Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli) which scoops fish and crabs from the shallower waters of rivers. Several nests of these large and unusual birds have been found along the Luvuvhu River at Pafuri.
Most owls are mottled in patterns of brown, grey and black, and have a number of very useful adaptations to assist in their predatory way of life. Their senses of sight and hearing are exceptionally keen, enabling them to locate prey during twilight or in the reflected light of the moon, and among some species in total darkness, while modified wing feathers enable them to swoop silently onto their prey. As they are only active at night they are rarely seen by visitors. With luck, an occasional individual may sometimes be seen during the day, perched in slumber in the branches of some tree.
Nightjars are much smaller than owls but are also nocturnal predators. All are mottled and speckled in varying shades of brown, with blotches of white helping to increase their camouflage. They have wide mouths, with short pointed beaks used to capture their insect prey. Several species are found, most of them being fairly common but rarely seen because of their nocturnal habits. Many sit on the ground in open clearings or on roads during the early hours of night, patiently waiting for insects to fly into view
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