West-central and east-central India: plains and low foothills of Akrani Range (western end of Satpura Mts) near Tapi (Tapti) R in north-western Maharashtra (formerly western Khandesh), and probably in eastern Madhya Pradesh and western Orissa (no records in 20th century from last two).
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 50 - 249 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction, degradation and fragmentation through forest clearing, overgrazing by cattle, and hunting, pesticides, rodenticides, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Territorial call is a rather loud, mellow 'uwww' or 'uh-wuwww'. Calls include hissing 'shreeee' or 'kheek' and repeated 'kwaak' notes, rising and falling in pitch.
Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) [XC725559]
by Saswat Mishra from Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, India (song)
Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) [XC635072]
by Madhav Murhty from Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary, India (call)
Subspecies
Relationships uncertain; possibly more closely related to Glaucidium.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) has more distinct spotting on crown and nape, a prominent white nuchal collar, and lacks broadly banded tail.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet