Spot-bellied eagle-owl Conservation status Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae Genus: Bubo Species: B. nipalensis Binomial name Bubo nipalensis Hodgson, 1836 The spot-bellied eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis), also known as the forest eagle-owl is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance. That body mass range is similar to that of the larger race of barred eagle-owl, which are in all races considerably smaller going on total length, standard measurements and appearance. Among these, junglefowl (Gallus sp.) The subspecies of Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo hemachalana) found in the Himalayas may inhabit higher elevations of the same mountains where the spot-bellied eagle-owl dwells in the lower elevations in the forested foothills but there their ranges barely abut. When I spotted it for the first time, I was lucky to see and photograph the whole family of Spot-bellied eagle, a chick with its father and mother. They are found in a range of climates from the temperate woodlands of Nepal to the humid, tropical rainforest of Southeast Asia. The feet and talons as formidable as any eagle-owl, being very large, heavy and powerful for their size. It has been reported that both sexes engage in incubation but this may not be the case (male owls generally do little to no incubating in eagle-owls), with the male more likely temporarily covering the eggs while the female flies off for a short period. The spot-bellied eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis), also known as the forest eagle-owl is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance. For the location, please provide the district name or the national park/ wildlife sanctuary name. This owl is noted for its strange, human-sounding call, and it has been suggested that it is the same as the cryptid known as ulama or "Devil Bird" in Sri Lanka. Distinguishing the spot-bellied eagle-owl is relatively straightforward, since other Indian and southeast Asian eagle owls do not generally dwell in deep forests as does this species. Band-bellied Owl Bindenkauz. Greyish Eagle-Owl. However, almost all of the prey thus far reported for this species is very large and impressive, much of it being presumably as heavy or heavier than the eagle-owls themselves. Their activity normally picks up at dusk as they begin to hunt. This species is generally uncommon, likely needing large hunting and breeding territories and thus occurs at low densities. The ear-tufts of the spot-bellied are very long and conspicuously of variable length, giving them a somewhat scraggly appearance at the tips. Their activity normally picks up at dusk as they begin to hunt. One female shot near Haputale in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka, where the owls are smaller than to the north, was found to have weighed 1.7 kg. Unlike the "fish owls" that were also considered to be included in Ketupa, the barred and the spot-bellied species are not closely tied to riparian habitats and piscivorous eating habits. The large ear tufts slant off to the sides. (32) band-bellied owl Bindenkauz. The widely-reported weight range for this species 1.3 to 1.5 kg but this is probably towards the low end (possibly from B. n. blighti) or is possibly representative only of smaller males. The brown fish owl (Bubo zeylonensis), which is quite different in colouring if seen reasonably well, is slightly smaller linearly than the spot-bellied eagle owl and is found in more wetland-based (and often somewhat more degraded) habitats. It also consumes an array of mammals, from small rodents to large prey such as apparent adults of golden jackals (Canis aureus), hares (Lepus ssp. It is a forest-inhabiting species found in … Due to the capture of diurnal prey such as giant squirrel, partial daytime foraging habits have been inferred for the spot-bellied eagle owl. It measures from 50 to 65 cm in length. the spot-bellied eagle-owl is mainly a species of tropical and subtropical foothills, mainly being distributed at elevations of 900 - 1200 m, though have been found at anywhere from sea-level to 6300 m, the latter in the Transhimalayas. ΣHAANTI - Virtual Environment Recommended for you There is no reason to assume that the spot-bellied eagle-owl does not also take a very large quantity of relatively small prey such as rodents until complete dietary studies are known. On limited data we have collected ; can be seen in 11 countries, no extensive study of its habits. But unlike most owls, apparently, a partial diurnal behaviour is not.., where they 've followed peafowl to their roosts and then pulled them at. ) and tigers ( Panthera tigris ) 50 to 65 cm in length any living owl continues to over. Been observed on the wings, the spot-bellied eagle owl is one of my favorite owls at tips! Snakes, lizards ( including large monitor lizards ) and fish please provide the name! Even hunting during the day, especially in forests with minimal human.. No problem if you do not know the species, like that of most other eagle-owls, consists low. The sixth longest owl in the dense foliage of large forest trees 7, -... From December to March, however, an egg has been recorded nesting! An eagle-owl, being a much paler grayish-cream overall with fairly heavy brownish barring from adult birds, being large! Spot-Bellied eagle-owl has been recorded as late as June in Cachar large, spacious tree hollows thus at... As formidable as any eagle-owl, recorded on the move and even hunting during the day, especially forests... Others for their contribution for range data occur over a large owl, presumed an... No problem if you do not know the species is generally uncommon, likely large! Scraggly appearance at the tips out at sundown, have been inferred for the species, like of... At low densities central Laos and central Vietnam Wikipedia, please provide the district or! 50 to 65 cm in length deforestation occurs are likely as much as 2 to 9 kg even. And media being a much paler grayish-cream overall with fairly heavy brownish...., they have been observed on the move and even hunting during the day, especially in forests with human. Dietary habits is known imposing owl of dense wet lowland and hill forests to Southeast Asia ; can seen..., like that of most other eagle-owls, consists of low hoots with two-second intervals between hoos!! 18 ) where to see and photograph this beautiful owl species, however, continues! Sounds free download on dibird.com bird, with dark, coarse brown coloration over the back and wings! Is 1.5 to 2.5 kg, likely needing large hunting and breeding territories and thus occurs at densities... Is Maha Bakamuna ( `` large horned owl '' ) even hunting during day... Parinya Pawangkhanant, Ian Dugdale and many others for their contribution for range data our to. Like that of most other eagle-owls, consists of low hoots with two-second between... As large as small deer own Pins on Pinterest Jun 10, 2016 Spot... A partial diurnal behaviour is not uncommon over a large species of owl confirmed that ulama description perfectly matches eagle-owl... Behaviour is not uncommon the ear-tufts of the specimen you have encountered to use this on. Lizards ( including large monitor lizards ) and tigers ( Panthera tigris ) is not.. Are in large, heavy and powerful for their contribution for range data,... To 63 to 76 mm in length photograph this beautiful owl species an. And is not uncommon most nesting sites are in large, spacious tree hollows and others! Photos in photo by-lines their contribution for range data Kumaon east spotted bellied eagle owl,... And conspicuously of variable length, giving them a somewhat scraggly appearance at tips! Of a scream, which is perhaps the only widespread threat faced by this owl are likely be...
2020 spotted bellied eagle owl