The Chestnut-backed Owlet (Glaucidium castanotum), a small yet formidable predator endemic to Sri Lanka, resides in the dense canopies of rainforests like Sinharaja. With its rich chestnut plumage and piercing gaze, this diurnal bird is a symbol of the forest's quiet, watchful presence.

In this painting, the owlet is perched on a "Pus Wela" vine (Entada rheedii), poised and alert, ready to hunt its prey. Surrounding it are glimpses of its rich ecosystem: the endemic Calotes liolepis lizard, the elusive Sri Lankan Spiny Mouse (Mus mayori), and vibrant rainforest beetles such as Heterorhina elegans and Ifasina waterhousei. These species represent the diverse prey and cohabitants of this intricate web of life.

The artwork highlights the predator-prey dynamics and the breathtaking biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s rainforests, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world hidden within the dense foliage.