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The jungle owlet or barred jungle owlet is native to the Indian Subcontinent. The species is often found singly, in pairs or small groups, and they are usually detected by their calls at dawn and dusk. There are two subspecies, with that found in the Western Ghats sometimes considered a full species.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
This small owlet has a rounded head and is finely barred all over. There is no clear facial disk and the wings are brownish and the tail is narrowly barred in white. There are two subspecies, the nominate form is found in the plains of India and Sri Lanka, while G. r. malabaricum of the Western Ghats is shorter tailed and shows more brown on the head. It has been suggested that the latter may warrant full species status. The plumage on the upper parts is dark black-brown barred with white. The wing coverts have white and rufous patches.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Jungle Owlet sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Northern Pygmy OwlGlaucidium gnomaThe adult mountain pygmy owl is approximately 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length.
Asian Barred OwletGlaucidium cuculoidesThe Asian barred owlet is a small owl that sits at 22–25 cm (8.7–9.8 in).
Pearl-spotted OwletGlaucidium perlatumThe pearl-spotted owlet is one of the smallest owls in Africa with a length of 17 to 21 cm.
Learn the Jungle Owlet for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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