The spotted owlet is a small owl species found in forests and woodlands across much of the world including North America, Europe and Asia. It is named for its distinctive spotted plumage, which helps it to camouflage itself among the trees.
Spotted owlets are nocturnal predators, feeding primarily on small rodents and insects. They are also known to prey on birds and other small animals. Spotted owlets are territorial and will defend their territory from other owls and predators. They typically mate for life and produce a single brood of young each year.