A large, powerful, and striking-looking bird of prey found throughout the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, and parts of Sri Lanka. A close relative of the Eurasian eagle owl, this species is known for its piercing orange eyes, tufted “ear” feathers, and deep, booming calls that echo through rocky hills and scrub forests at dusk and dawn.
Indian eagle owls’ plumage is a beautiful mix of mottled brown, buff, and black, which helps them blend perfectly with rocky terrain and dry vegetation. The bold facial disk edged in dark feathers, frames their glowing eyes and gives them a serious, commanding presence.
These owls typically inhabit rocky hillsides, cliffs, scrublands, dry forests, and open country—places where they can perch quietly by day and hunt efficiently at night. They are nocturnal predators, emerging at dusk to hunt a variety of prey including rodents, birds, reptiles, bats, and even small mammals like hares. With their powerful talons, silent flight, and incredible night vision, Indian eagle owls are efficient and skilled hunters.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Indian eagle owl is its deep, echoing hoots, which are often heard during the breeding season. The call is usually a series of low, rhythmic “booo-booo-booo” sounds, often repeated for long periods and heard over great distances. These vocalizations are used to mark territory and attract mates, and are most commonly heard in the early evening and just before dawn.
Distribution
Bangladesh
India
Myanmar
Nepal
PakistanAnything 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
