SPOTTED OWLET

SPOTTED OWLET IS A SMALL OWL WHICH BREEDS IN TROPICAL ASIA FROM INDIA TO SOUTH-EAST ASIA.A COMMON RESIDENT OF OPEN HABITATS INCLUDING FARMLAND AND HUMAN HABITATION,IT HAS ADAPTED TO LIVING IN CITIES.SPOTTED OWLET IS SMALL(21 CMS.) AND STOCKY.THE UPPER PARTS ARE GREY-BROWN,HEAVILY SPOTTED WITH WHITE.THE UNDERPARTS ARE WHITE,STREAKED WITH BROWN.THE FACIAL DISC IS PALE AND THE IRIS IS YELLOW.THERE IS WHITE NECK BAND AND SUPERCILIUM.SEXES ARE SIMILAR.THE FLIGHT IS DEEPLY UNDULATING.THE SPECIES IS NOCTURNAL BUT IS SOMETIMES SEEN IN THE DAY.WHEN DISTURBED FROM THEIR DAYTIME SITE ,THEY BOB THEIR HEAD AND STARE AT INTRUDERS.IT HUNTS A VARIETY OF INSECTS AND SMALL VERTEBRATES.THEY CAN PREY RODENTS,BATS,TOADS,SMALL SNAKES,SCORPIONS AND MOLLUSCS.THE CALL IS HARSH AND LOUD AND THEY CALL MAINLY DURING EARLY DAWN OR JUST AFTER SUNSET.

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