It gets its name from white spots all over its body. It is a small owl found all over Tulu Nadu. Habitat includes open places, cultivations, human habitations and cities. They roost in hollows of trees or cavities of rocks or buildings. The upper parts are brown with white spots. The underparts are whitish with brown streaks. It has yellow iris and bill. They feed on small snakes, rats, insects and small vertebrates. The breeding season is from November to April. They build nest in cavities or hollow of vertical trunk of trees. They lay 3-4 eggs.
Call: Loud Churring Chirrr...Chirrr...Chirrr followed by Chirwak..Chirwak..
Scientific Name: Athene brama (Least Concern)
According to Hindu mythology Owl is the vahan (mode of transport) of Lakshmi.(Goddess of wealth)
Location: Padukere Beach, Udupi
Date: Jan 2018
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