Spotted Owlet
Image: Dr.JITENDRA KUMAR JHARIYA (cc-by-nc)
NameSpotted Owlet
Common NameSpotted Owlet
Scientific NameAthene brama
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)53
Length (cm)21
Weight (g)110
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is grey-brown on the upperparts, heavily spotted with white. The underparts are white with dark brown streaking. It has a prominent white nuchal collar and white eyebrows, with a dark facial disc.
Vocalization / CallIts call is a harsh, churring 'chirurr-chirurr-chirurr' followed by a series of 'cheevak-cheevak-cheevak' notes. They also produce various screeches and hoots.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen woodland, cultivated areas, human habitations, gardens, groves, scrubland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical Asia, from India and Sri Lanka east to Southeast Asia, including parts of Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Identifying Featuressmall size, stocky build, bright yellow eyes, white spots on grey-brown upperparts, streaked white underparts, white nuchal collar, diurnal activity
Description
The Spotted Owlet is a small, stocky owl with a rounded head and bright yellow eyes. It is primarily nocturnal but often seen during the day, perching conspicuously or hunting in open country and human habitations. They are known for their characteristic bobbing head movements.
