Spotted Owlet
Athene brama
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Spotted Owlet is a small, compact owl with a rounded head and no ear tufts. Its upperparts are greyish-brown with white spots, while the underparts are creamy-white with brown bars. The facial disc is pale, bordered by white, with distinctive white eyebrows.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles having a more uniform appearance and fewer spots. The eyes are golden-yellow, and the legs are long and thin, covered with short feathers down to the toes.
Size
Length
19cm to 21cm
Wingspan
50cm to 56cm
Weight
110g to 115g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown White
Secondary Colour
Grey
Beak Colour
Grey Yellow
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Spotted Owlets are found across the Indian subcontinent, extending from Pakistan to Southeast Asia. They inhabit open woodlands, agricultural areas, and urban gardens with mature trees.
These adaptable owls thrive in human-modified landscapes, often nesting in tree cavities, old buildings, and even occupied houses in cities and villages. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,380 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Spotted Owlet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Spotted Owlet demonstrates remarkable agility through its precise hunting technique, swooping down from perches to catch prey. Their ability to navigate through woodland areas and catch agile insects and small vertebrates in flight showcases their exceptional manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst capable of taking small prey like mice and shrews, the Spotted Owlet's small size (100-140g) limits its strength compared to larger owls. However, they possess sufficient power to successfully hunt and carry prey relative to their size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Highly adaptable birds that thrive across diverse habitats from woodlands to urban areas. Their ability to nest in various structures, hunt different prey types, and maintain stable populations in human-modified landscapes demonstrates exceptional adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These owls display notable territorial behaviour, vigorously defending their nesting sites and actively mobbing larger birds of prey. Their willingness to confront threats significantly larger than themselves, coupled with their territorial nature, indicates strong aggressive tendencies.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Whilst primarily nocturnal, Spotted Owlets can remain active during dawn and dusk, and occasionally hunt during daylight hours. Their ability to hunt actively and defend territory suggests moderate endurance, though they typically hunt from perches rather than sustained flight.
Diet
Spotted Owlets are opportunistic hunters, feeding primarily on insects such as beetles and moths. They also prey on small mammals like mice and shrews, as well as small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
These owls often hunt from a perch, swooping down to catch prey on the ground.
Behaviour
Spotted Owlets are primarily nocturnal but can be active during dawn and dusk. They often perch in pairs on bare branches or poles, bobbing their heads when alert.
These owls are highly territorial and will vigorously defend their nesting sites, often mobbing larger birds of prey that enter their territory.
Vocalisation
The Spotted Owlet's most common call is a sharp, repetitive 'kiew-kiew' or 'kewick-kewick'. During courtship, males produce a softer, more melodious 'hoo-hoo-hoo'. When alarmed, they emit a harsh, screeching call.
Their vocalisations are often heard at night or during early evening hours.
Nesting & Breeding
The breeding season for Spotted Owlets typically occurs from November to April. Pairs are monogamous and often use the same nesting site for multiple years.
Nests are usually located in tree hollows, crevices in buildings, or abandoned nests of other birds. The female lays 3-5 round, white eggs directly on the cavity floor without adding nesting material.
Incubation lasts about 29 days, primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after 30-32 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks afterwards.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Spotted Owlet is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving suitable nesting sites and maintaining green spaces in urban areas to support populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Spotted Owlets in open woodlands, parks, and around human habitations
- Listen for their distinctive 'kiew-kiew' calls at night
- Check tree cavities and old buildings during the day for roosting birds
- Observe their behaviour around dusk when they become active
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators of Spotted Owlets include larger owls, hawks, and occasionally snakes. Crows and other diurnal birds may mob them during daylight hours.
Did You Know?
- Spotted Owlets sometimes hunt during the day, especially in cloudy weather.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, which help them locate prey by sound.
- These owls often store excess food in tree cavities for later consumption.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Athene brama. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22689332A263695848.
View source - 2
report, 1999: del Hoyo et al.
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