Endemic Birds Of Sri Lanka

4.Chestnut-backed Owlet (Glaucidium radiatum)

This endemic is an uncommon species seen from lowlands to high hills of the wet zone. it is an barred small owlet,in  size of a collard scopes owl and similar to Jungle Owlet except the bright Chestnut Colour on its back,scapulars and wing coverts.  
This shy owlet prefers tops of the tall trees, and very diurnal in its behavior and sometimes seen hunting and calling in day light too. It mainly feeds on Insects,Mice, small lizards, and birds. Breeding season occurs from March to May and lays about 02 glossy white eggs in a hole of a tree trunk or a limb.

Coloration /ID

About 20 am in size. Bright Chestnut back,scapulars and wing coverts. White underparts with heavily streaked with blackish streaks. Head dark brown and barred with whitish. Feet pale yellow and irides Bright Yellow.