Asian Barred Owlet
Glaucidium cuculoides
斑头鸺鹠
Introduction
A species of pygmy owl in the Strigidae family (true owls). Inhabits forests and shrublands across mainland Southeast Asia, ranging from southeast China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, and northeast India to the Himalayan foothills into northern Pakistan. Found at elevations from foothills to submontane regions, typically up to 2,100 meters with highest records at 2,700 meters in the Himalayas of Pakistan. Displays a preference for secondary forests over primary forests in parts of its range. One of the larger pygmy owl species, measuring 22-25 cm in length. Primarily insectivorous but also consumes lizards, small rodents, and birds. Resident species making only local elevational movements.
Description
A small owl measuring 22-25 cm (8.7-9.8 in) in length. Males weigh 150-176 g and females up to 240 g, with females being larger than males. Plumage is dark brown or olive-brown with a white throat patch, densely barred throughout. Breast and belly are whitish with dark brown bars. Wings and tail are dark brown with whitish bars. Unlike other pygmy owl species, lacks false eyes on the back of the head. Juveniles differ from adults having a streaked rather than barred breast and a more ruddy brown head.
Identification
Similar in appearance to the Javan owlet and collared owlet. Distinguished from other pygmy owls by the absence of false eyes on the back of the head. Mainly diurnal, actively hunting throughout the day and perching on bare branches. Often subject to mobbing by smaller birds, during which it remains motionless. Flight pattern is undulating, consisting of rapid wing flaps followed by a pause with wings closed.
Distribution & Habitat
Widespread across mainland Southeast Asia including southeast China, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, Bangladesh, northeast India, and the Himalayan foothills into Pakistan. Inhabits pine and oak forests, subtropical and tropical evergreen jungles at elevations from foothills to 2,100 meters, with highest record at 2,700 meters in the Himalayas of north Pakistan. Also occurs in developed areas such as gardens and parks. Shows preference for secondary forests over primary forests in parts of its range. Resident species with no long-distance migration, making only local elevational movements to lower elevations in non-breeding season.
Behavior & Ecology
Diet consists primarily of insects including beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, supplemented by lizards, small rodents, and small birds. Hunts from perch and captures birds in flight, including common quail snatched from the air. Male song is a trill lasting 5-20 seconds, progressively becoming louder and harsher before stopping abruptly. Also produces a smooth 'hoot' call. Most vocal at dawn and a few hours after sunrise but may vocalize any time of day. Breeding season runs January-February in Thailand and March-June elsewhere. Nests in unlined tree cavities or old woodpecker and barbet nests; occasionally uses collared scops owl nest cavities. Lays single clutch of 3-5 white, rounded eggs annually. Both parents care for young and bring food to nest. Chicks fledge as early as April in Thailand and early July in other areas.
Conservation
The article does not provide specific IUCN assessment or population data. Threats include habitat destruction from urbanization and deforestation, as well as direct persecution driven by cultural beliefs. In parts of its range, owls are considered evil omens, leading to shooting, egg theft, and pesticide use. This persecution compounds habitat threats and hinders local conservation efforts.
Culture
In parts of its range, owls are regarded as evil birds and harbingers of bad news. This belief results in deliberate attempts to eradicate local populations through shooting, stealing eggs, and pesticide use. Such persecution exacerbates threats from habitat destruction and impedes conservation efforts.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Glaucidium
- eBird Code
- asbowl1
Vocalizations
Subspecies (8)
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Glaucidium cuculoides austerum
eastern Sikkim to Bhutan, northeastern Assam, and northwestern Myanmar
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Glaucidium cuculoides bruegeli
southern Myanmar and southern Thailand
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Glaucidium cuculoides cuculoides
Himalayas (northeastern Pakistan and Kashmir to western Sikkim)
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Glaucidium cuculoides deignani
southeastern Thailand and southern Indochina
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Glaucidium cuculoides delacouri
northern Indochina
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Glaucidium cuculoides persimile
Hainan (southern China)
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Glaucidium cuculoides rufescens
northeastern India, Bangladesh, and northern Myanmar
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Glaucidium cuculoides whiteleyi
Sichuan, Yunnan and southeastern China south of Yangtze to northeastern Vietnam
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.