A strictly diurnal species, the forest owlet can often be easily spotted sunning itself on some of the barer branches in its habitat (5) (8). This species feeds on lizards, small rodents, amphibians, invertebrates and nestlings of other birds. It will often store prey items in hollow tree trunks (2).
Breeding occurs between October and March, and the female lays two eggs in a hole in a softwood tree. The incubation period is an estimated 30 days and, after hatching, the young are dependent on the female for at least a further 40 days (2).
The male forest owlet has been known to kill and consume its own offspring before they are fully fledged. It is not known why this behaviour is seen in this species (7), and it has been observed that the female forest owlet may be reluctant to allow any male to directly interact with the chicks (7).
Besides a wide range of vocalisations, the forest owlet indulges in sporadic tail-flicking or exaggerated head-bobbing, though it is not know what role this plays in communication (8) (9).