+94711130179 [email protected]
Chestnut-backed owlet – Sri Lanka

Chestnut-backed owlet – Sri Lanka

by | Jan 8, 2022 | Birds | 0 comments

Image Credits📸👉

ebird.org

You May Need to Know

Conservation Status

NT

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Strigiformes

Family

Strigidae

Genus

Glaucidium

Species

G. castanotum

Binomial Name

Glaucidium castanotum

About Chestnut Backed Owlet

The Chestnut-backed Owlet (Glaucidium castanotum) is a small, elusive bird of prey found only in Sri Lanka. This species is known for its striking chestnut and black plumage, as well as its distinctive calls and hunting habits. Despite being one of the rarest and least-known owl species in the world, the Chestnut-backed Owlet is a fascinating and important part of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.

Appearance and Range OF Sri Lanka Chestnut-Backed Owlet

The Chestnut-backed Owlet is a small owl, measuring just 15 cm in length and weighing around 60 grams. Its striking plumage is primarily chestnut-brown on the back and wings, with black stripes on the head, neck, and upper breast. The underparts are pale with dark spots, and the eyes are large and yellow. The bird’s call is a distinctive series of high-pitched whistles, often given in a duet between a male and female.

The Chestnut-backed Owlet is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. Its range is limited to the island’s central highlands, where it inhabits montane evergreen forests at elevations of 1,500 to 2,000 meters. The species is considered threatened due to habitat loss and fragmentation and is currently listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Behavior and Ecology OF Sri Lanka Chestnut-Backed Owlet

The Chestnut-backed Owlet is a nocturnal predator, feeding on a variety of small prey including insects, spiders, and small mammals such as rodents and shrews. Like other owls, it has excellent night vision and hearing and uses its sharp talons to capture prey. The bird is also known for its distinctive hunting behavior, which involves perching low on tree branches and pouncing on prey from a stationary position.

Little is known about the Chestnut-backed Owlet’s breeding habits, but it is believed to mate for life and to lay two to three eggs in a clutch. The species is thought to be monogamous, with pairs defending territories and communicating with each other using their distinctive calls.

Chestnut-backed Owlet Endemic Bird - Sri Lanka

Chestnut-backed Owlet Endemic Bird – Sri Lanka | Image Credits: ebird.org

Where Can You Find Chestnut-Backed Owlet

Conservation Status and Threats

The Chestnut-backed Owlet is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, as forests in Sri Lanka’s highlands are cleared for agriculture, logging, and development. In addition, the species is vulnerable to climate change, which could affect the availability of prey and disrupt its breeding patterns.

Conservation efforts for the Chestnut-backed Owlet are focused on protecting its remaining habitat, as well as raising awareness about the bird’s importance and vulnerability. The species is protected by law in Sri Lanka, and conservation organizations are working to establish protected areas and promote sustainable land use practices in its range.

Conclusion

The Chestnut-backed Owlet is a fascinating and important part of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity, with its distinctive appearance and behavior making it a popular subject for birdwatchers and conservationists. Despite being one of the world’s rarest and least-known owl species, the Chestnut-backed Owlet is a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet, and the urgent need to protect it. Through conservation efforts and public awareness, we can help ensure that this unique bird and its habitat are preserved for future generations.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Find Your Airline

Find The Cheapest Air Tickets For you

Find Your Hotels

Find The Cheapest Hotels

Book Your Flight with Our Airline Partner – Qatar Airways

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka and looking for a reliable tour company, Ceylon Wild Tours is a great option to consider. They offer a range of customizable tours and packages that cater to different interests and budgets. From cultural and historical tours to wildlife safaris and adventure activities, Ceylon Wild Tours can help you create your dream itinerary.

One way to support Ceylon Wild Tours and help us maintain our site is to book your flights with Qatar Airways. Not only is Qatar Airways a reputable airline with a global network, but Ceylon Wild Tours also gets a small commission from all the bookings made through their referral link. This commission helps us cover the cost of running this site and providing valuable information to travelers.

Of course, you’re free to choose any airline that fits your needs and preferences. But if you decide to book your flights with Qatar Airways and use Ceylon Wild Tours’ referral link, you’ll not only be supporting a local business but also getting a great travel experience with a top-rated airline.

Book Your Accommodation with Booking.com

Welcome to Ceylon Wild Tour – your gateway to Sri Lanka’s natural wonders and wild adventures! Our selection of hotels, apartments, resorts, villas, B&Bs, and guesthouses offers a unique experience that captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s beauty and culture. Book through Booking.com for hassle-free booking, competitive prices, a flexible cancellation policy, and exclusive rewards. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the wild side of Sri Lanka with us!

Find The Hotel Prices Near You

Booking.com

Related Posts

Book Your Accommodation

Booking.com

Amazon Products

Newsletter

Booking.com
Translate »