Ketupa nipalensis
The majestic Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, *Ketupa nipalensis*, is a formidable and often elusive nocturnal raptor native to the dense forests of South and Southeast Asia. Reaching an impressive length of 50-65 cm with a wingspan of 120-150 cm and weighing between 1.3-3.0 kg, it is among the larger owl species in its range. Distinctive field marks include its large size, prominent, shaggy ear tufts that can sometimes be laid flat, striking deep yellow eyes, and particularly the heavily spotted and ...
This large owl primarily inhabits dense, moist evergreen and deciduous forests, often found in hilly or mountainous terrain, particularly near streams, rivers, or other permanent water sources, typically at elevations up to 2,400 meters.
An opportunistic and powerful predator, its diet is extremely varied, including a wide array of mammals (rodents, civets, hares, even small deer), birds (junglefowl, pheasants, peafowl, and other raptors), snakes, lizards, frogs, crabs, and fish, often taking surprisingly large prey items.
The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is strictly nocturnal and crepuscular, spending its days roosting quietly and camouflaged amidst dense foliage or within rock crevices, becoming active only after dusk. It employs a 'sit-and-wait' foraging strategy, perching silently on a branch overlooking open forest ...
The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is a widespread resident species across a broad swathe of South and Southeast Asia, exhibiting no seasonal migration. Its extensive breeding range extends from the lower Himalayas in northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan, eastwards through Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao...
Least Concern
- Known in some parts of its range as the 'Devil Bird' or 'Ghost Bird' due to its eerie, often human-like shrieks and wails in the dead of night. - It is one of the largest and most powerful owls in its Asian range, capable of preying on animals significantly larger than itself, including small d...