Tiny Terrors of the Foothills: Encountering the Collared Owlet in Rongtong
Deep in the lush, green foothills of the Himalayas lies Rongtong, a legendary destination for birdwatchers seeking the diverse avian life of West Bengal. On a recent trip, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with one of the region’s most charismatic residents: the Collared Owlet (Glaucidium brodiei). Measuring barely 15 centimeters in length, the Collared Owlet is the smallest owl found in Asia. Despite its diminutive size, it is a ferocious predator, often taking down prey significantly larger than itself. What makes this species particularly fascinating to birders is its diurnal nature; unlike many of its nocturnal cousins, the Collared Owlet is frequently active during the day, making it a prime subject for photography if you can manage to spot it among the dense foliage. ...