The dusky eagle-owl is a large, powerful owl that lives in parts of South Asia, especially in India and Nepal. It is known for its striking appearance and strong hunting skills. This owl is often found in forests, near rivers, or even in open woodlands, where it can find plenty of food. It prefers areas with tall trees for nesting and good cover to hide during the day.

One of the first things you might notice about the dusky eagle-owl is its size. It is quite big compared to other owls, with a length of about 48 – 53 cm (19 – 21 in). Its feathers are mostly grayish-brown with streaks of darker shades, which help it blend into the trees and its surroundings. This natural camouflage makes it hard to spot, even though it’s a large bird. Its big yellow eyes are one of its most distinctive features, and they help it see very well in low light.

The dusky eagle-owl has a strong beak and sharp claws, which it uses to catch prey. It hunts mostly at night, using its excellent vision and hearing to find small animals like rodents, birds, and sometimes even reptiles. It is a silent hunter, flying quietly through the air thanks to its special feathers that reduce noise. This makes it easier for the owl to sneak up on its prey without being noticed.

A fun fact about the dusky eagle-owl is its deep, booming call, which sounds like “huh-hoo.” This call can be heard from far away, especially during the breeding season when the owls are trying to find a mate. They use their loud calls to communicate with each other and to warn other animals or owls to stay away from their territory.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

2016

China

2016

India

2016

Malaysia

2016

Myanmar

2016

Nepal

2016

Pakistan

2016

Thailand

2016