The Spotted Owlet

Athene brama

Sewagram, Wardha, India

This Spotted Owlet Athene brama was photographed at Sewagram, Wardha, India by Sushruti using a Quantaray 35-135 m.m. lens on a Minolta 430 RZ. This particular bird used to be seen almost every day over a period of several months at the same spot.

Spotted Owlet at Wardha
Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) at Sewagram, Wardha, India
Location

Place: Sewagram, Wardha

State: Maharashtra, India

Habitat: Urban/Semi-urban area

Photography

Photographer: Sushruti

Camera: Minolta 430 RZ

Lens: Quantaray 35-135mm

About the Spotted Owlet
Scientific Classification
  • Species: Athene brama
  • Family: Strigidae (True owls)
  • Order: Strigiformes
Characteristics

The Spotted Owlet is a small owl which is common in the Indian subcontinent and other parts of Asia. They are typically found in open habitats including farmland and human habitations. They are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) but can sometimes be seen during the day.

Behavioral Note: This particular individual demonstrated typical territorial behavior by consistently returning to the same roosting spot over several months, allowing for repeated observations and photography.

Observation Notes

The owlet was observed almost daily over a period of several months at the same location. Such site fidelity is common among owls, which often return to favored roosting spots. The accessibility of this roosting site provided an excellent opportunity for documentation and study of this species' behavior in a semi-urban environment.