Ketupa sumatrana
The Barred Eagle-Owl (Ketupa sumatrana) is a majestic nocturnal raptor of Southeast Asia's dense tropical and subtropical forests, instantly recognizable by its imposing size, characteristic finely barred plumage, and striking golden-yellow eyes. Reaching lengths of 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) with a wingspan of approximately 100-110 cm (39-43 inches) and weighing 1.4-2.2 kg (3-4.8 lbs), it presents a formidable presence. Its distinctive field marks include prominent dark barring across its tawny...
Primarily inhabiting tropical and subtropical lowland evergreen forests, often near rivers, streams, and other water bodies, up to elevations of about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet).
The diet primarily consists of fish, crabs, and other aquatic invertebrates, supplemented by amphibians, reptiles, large insects, small mammals, and occasionally birds. It forages primarily by snatching prey from water or the ground.
Exclusively nocturnal, the Barred Eagle-Owl spends its days roosting cryptically amidst dense foliage, often near water, becoming active only after dusk. Its foraging strategy centers on a patient perch-and-pounce technique, scanning water bodies from an elevated vantage point before swooping dow...
The Barred Eagle-Owl is a resident species found across a broad swathe of Southeast Asia, primarily spanning the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, and several smaller islands. Its distribution extends northward into parts of mainland Southeast Asia, including southern Myanmar, Thailand, Cam...
Least Concern
- The Barred Eagle-Owl possesses unfeathered tarsi and rough, serrated talons, specialized adaptations for gripping slippery fish. - Despite its impressive size, it is notoriously shy and often heard more often than seen, making a sighting a rare treat for birders. - Its calls, particularly the d...