Chestnut-backed owlet

Article no-01
J. A. Ganguli Vimansa Sewmi

Chestnut-backed owlet
Have you heard about the bird called Pitathabala Vana — Bassa in Sinhala speaking? Here is an attractive bird that scientifically named as Glaucidium castanotum out of about 33 identified species of Endemic birds in Sri Lanka. This bird is Near Threatened on IUCN red list.

The Chestnut backed owlet is small and stocky, measuring 19cm(7.5inches) in length. It looks like a forest owl of shape, size but the apex, shoulders and wings are mostly brownish brown with a darker barrier. The palette has white and black strips. The face plate is usually brown and the eyes yellow. There is a white neck strap. Looks the same without sexual anomalies.

A Chestnut — backed owl is a common bird in swamps, which is easy to see in places like Kitulgala & Singharaja. Many parts of southern Sri Lanka, specially hills & lowlands with swampy areas. This range has shrunk significantly in recent years.
The species is often observed during the day, especially at night. These birds feed mainly on insects such as beetles, but they also catch rats and small lizards. Put in a hole in the tree & lay eggs.