Found across South and Southeast Asia, this little owl looks like something straight out of a fantasy story. Its most distinctive feature is its heart-shaped, mask-like face, deeply notched and framed in chestnut and buff colors, giving it the appearance of wearing an ornate costume. Unlike the round faces of typical owls, the Oriental bay owl’s face has sharp angles and curves, making it one of the most striking and instantly recognizable owls in the world.
This owl is relatively small and slender, with warm, reddish-brown plumage that camouflages perfectly against tree bark. During the day, it hides quietly in dense forests, roosting in tree hollows or thick foliage, almost invisible to anyone passing by. At night, it comes alive as a stealthy hunter, using its wide, frog-like mouth and silent wings to catch insects, small mammals, and birds. Its huge eyes give it superb night vision, and its heart-shaped disc funnels sound perfectly into its ears, making it a master of both sight and hearing in the dark.
But what really makes the Oriental bay owl stand out—apart from its “masked” face—is its eerie call. Instead of the typical hoots we associate with owls, this species makes long, trembling whistles and quavering cries that drift hauntingly through the forest. To those unfamiliar with it, the sound can be unnerving, almost ghostly, which explains why it is linked to superstitions and folklore about spirits and omens in some parts of Asia. Far from frightening, though, bird lovers treasure its voice as one of the most enchanting and mysterious sounds of the night.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Brunei
Cambodia
China
India
Indonesia
Laos
Malaysia
Myanmar
Nepal
Philippines
Singapore
Official estimate
Thailand
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
