The chestnut-backed owlet, is an owl which is endemic to Sri Lanka. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most of the smaller owl species. This species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the jungle owlet.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to Sri Lanka, occurring mainly in the wet-zone lowland and foothill evergreen forests, forest edges, and mature home gardens. It also uses well-wooded plantations with remnant tall trees. Birds perch quietly inside the mid to upper canopy and along edges where visibility for ambush is good. Availability of old trees with cavities is important for nesting. Fragmented forest patches can still support pairs if canopy cover remains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The chestnut-backed owlet is a small, day-active owl endemic to Sri Lanka’s wet-zone forests and well-wooded gardens. It often hunts from exposed perches and is surprisingly bold for its size. Formerly treated as a subspecies of the jungle owlet, it is now recognized as a distinct species. Like many pygmy-owls, it has false eye spots on the nape that may deter predators.
Temperament
territorial and bold
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, maintaining small territories year-round. Monogamous pairs nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes in large trees. Clutch size is usually 2–3 eggs, and both adults attend the young. Often mobbed by small birds when active by day.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, mellow series of repeated whistled notes, often rendered as a steady ‘puu-puu-puu’ sequence. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, but can call during overcast days. Also gives sharp chirps and trills during territorial encounters.
Plumage
Rich chestnut-brown upperparts with fine pale barring; underparts whitish with brown barring and streaking. Short-tailed, compact owl with a weak facial disk and rounded head. Nape shows paired dark patches forming false 'eyes'. Tail and wings show narrow pale bars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. Also takes small lizards, frogs, and occasionally small birds or rodents. Hunts by sit-and-wait from mid-canopy perches, making short sallies to seize prey. Will glean prey from foliage and branches when opportunities arise.
Preferred Environment
Edges of primary and secondary evergreen forest, wooded gardens, and plantations with mature shade trees. Prefers areas with open sight lines within the canopy and a mix of perches and cover.
