Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Latest News

In a major ornithological milestone, spot-bellied eagle-owl, a rare and elusive species, has been documented for the first time in Kozhikode, Kerala.

About Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl

• The spot-bellied eagle-owl, also known as the forest eagle-owl, is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance.
• Scientific Name: Ketupa nipalensis.
• It is closely related to the barred eagle-owl, which looks similar. However, these two owls live in different areas. 

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Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Habitat and Distribution

• It is a forest-inhabiting species found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.  
• In India, these spot-bellied eagle-owl species are distributed in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, and Mizoram. 
• It can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, and savannas.

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Features

• It is a very large owl. It can be from 50 to 65 cm long. This makes it one of the longest owls in the world. 
• It also has very long wings. Its wingspan can reach up to 1.7 meters.
• The most distinguishing feature is its striking colouration. The upper parts of its body are a rich chocolate brown, speckled with white spots.
• The feathers on its wings and tail are barred with alternating shades of brown and white, creating a stunning pattern that helps it blend in with its surroundings.
• The underside of the owl is where it gets its name; its belly and breast are a light cream colour, covered in bold black spots.
• The nostrils are round. The beak is curved and yellowish. 
• The owl has long ear tufts on its head. These tufts can be 63 to 76 mm long.  
• Like most eagle owls, its legs and feet are covered in feathers.  But the tips of its toes are bare. 
• It is primarily nocturnal.
• It is a solitary bird that is territorial and maintains a home range.
• It is famous for its strange, human-like calls.

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl Conservation Status

It is classified as ‘Least Concern‘ under the IUCN Red List.

News: NIE