Chestnut-backed Owlet (Glaucidium castanotum)

The Chestnut-backed Owlet (Glaucidium castanotum) (often misspelled Glaucidium castanonotum), is an owl which is endemic to Sri Lanka. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most of the smaller species of owl. This species was formerly considered as a subspecies of the Jungle Owlet.

They are endemic to Sri Lanka and most easily seen in Kithulgala. They are quiet and hard to spot but if you have a good guide, they will know where to find them. They can also be seen in Sinharaja and around Sri Lanka. Use a Central Asian award to get to Colombo, then take a taxi or bus.