One of the most striking and distinctive owls found across South Asia, known for its large size, intense yellow eyes, and preference for watery habitats. Unlike most owls that stick to forest interiors or dry woodlands, this species is almost always found near rivers, lakes, marshes, or mangroves, where it quietly dominates as a skilled, nocturnal hunter of fish and other aquatic creatures.
This owl has a thick, heavily feathered body, and its plumage is a blend of warm brown and buff tones streaked with darker markings. One of its most striking features is its prominent ear tufts, which stick out sideways rather than upright, giving it a shaggy, almost tousled look. But what truly grabs attention is its piercing, golden-yellow eyes, which stand out against its dark, expressive face and seem to glow even in low light.
As its name suggests, the brown fish owl has a strong connection to water. It prefers dense riverine forests, mangrove swamps, lakeshores, and even temple groves or agricultural canals, so long as there are nearby trees for roosting and perching. During the day, it roosts in a dense, shaded spot, often close to water, and becomes active at dusk, flying silently across the water’s edge in search of food. Its diet includes not just fish, but also frogs, crabs, reptiles, rodents, and occasionally birds. With its powerful talons and excellent night vision, it can snatch slippery fish from the surface with astonishing precision.
Unlike more vocal owl species, the brown fish owl has a deep, booming call, often described as a low hoot or “woof-woof” sound, which it uses to call to its mate or mark its territory at night.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Cambodia
China
Hong Kong
India
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Official estimate
Jordan
Laos
Lebanon
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Seychelles
Sri Lanka
Syria
Thailand
Turkey
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
