Birds Around Me 0189 - Spotted Owlet खुसटिया, चुगड़, चिट्टेदार चुगड़ (Athene brama)

One of the commonest species of the True Owls is the Spotted Owlet खुसटिया, चुगड़, चिट्टेदार चुगड़ (Athene brama), about the size of Common Myna but fatter. It is a squat, white-spotted greyish brown little owl with a typical large round head and forwardly directed unblinking eyes. It is seen in open plains and foothills country and s usually abundant and thoroughly at home in the midst of human habitations. Ancient mango, banyan, peepal, and similar trees with holes and fissures usually harbor a pair or two.

The birds fly fussily to a neighbouring branch where they bob and stare unblinkingly at the intruder in clownish fashion sometimes screwing the head completely around in the process. They are largely nocturnal, hiding during the daytime and seen at dusk. They may be seen in the twilight perched on fence posts, wires, and poles, pouncing on the grasshoppers and mice. The food primarily consists of beetles, grasshoppers, insects, lizards, mice, and small birds. These owlets are noisy birds and have a variety of harsh chattering, squabbling, and chuckling notes.

The Spotted Owlet खुसटिया, चुगड़, चिट्टेदार चुगड़ (Athene brama) is revered in many myths and mythology, like other owls. Named after the Hindu god Brahma and the Greek goddess Athena.

Hindi names of Spotted Owlet (हिन्दी नाम): खुसटिया, चुगड़, चिट्टेदार चुगड़

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe

https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html