Forest Owlet
NameForest Owlet
Common NameForest Owlet
Scientific NameAthene blewitti
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)25
Weight (g)205
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark grey-brown, heavily barred and spotted with white. Underparts are white with prominent dark barring on the flanks and breast. It features a prominent white facial disc with dark streaks, a white supercilium, and a greenish-yellow bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of harsh, churring calls often described as 'churr-churr-churr' or 'kew-kew-kew'. It also produces a 'kwaak' alarm call.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to central India, primarily found in the dry deciduous forests of the Satpura and Melghat regions of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow eyes, prominent white facial disc, heavily barred brown and white plumage, lack of ear tufts, relatively short tail, diurnal activity
Description
The Forest Owlet is a small, stocky owl with a relatively large head and short tail, known for its diurnal activity. It has a distinctive facial pattern with bright yellow eyes and heavily barred plumage, making it unique among Indian owls.
