Chestnut-backed Owlet

Small owl lacking ear tufts, with chestnut mantle and pale belly with streaked flanks. Crepuscular and diurnal, occurring singly or in pairs in wet rainforest, or neighboring woods. Chestnut back and streaked flanks of Chestnut-backed Owlet separate it from the similar Jungle Owlet, and Chestnut-backed also prefers the wetter region of the island. Call is a series of barbet like “kurr-kurr-kurr” notes, often followed by harsh “kao-kao” yaps, similar to Jungle Owlet, but slightly lower-pitched.

Where it Lives. This species is found in wet zone habitats of Sri Lanka. It is found lowland habitats to just below 2,000 meters above sea level. It is known to spend its time in the tops of tall trees, within the forest canopy.

This owlet feeds on a number of different vertebrates and invertebrates including insects, frogs, geckos, lizards, mice, and small birds.