One of the largest and most imposing owls in Asia. It ranges from the Indian subcontinent through the Himalayan foothills and into Southeast Asia, favoring dense forests where it can perch high in the canopy. It has bold ear tufts sticking like horns, a powerful hooked beak, and broad, heavy wings. Its plumage is a mix of gray-brown with dark streaks and spots, and its underparts are marked with distinctive black blotches, giving it the “spot-bellied” name. Unlike smaller owls that might seem curious or cute, this owl has an intense, almost intimidating presence, and its deep, booming calls echo through forests at night like a drumbeat.
One of the most striking traits of this owl is its voice. The Spot-bellied eagle-owl gives a deep, resonant “whoom” call that carries far, sometimes compared to the hoot of a large horn or the low rumble of a drum. Local folklore has given it a spooky reputation in some places—its call has been nicknamed the “ghost of the forest.” These booming notes are often delivered in pairs or short sequences to claim territory and communicate between mates. Unlike many owls that call softly or melodically, this species announces itself with force, leaving no doubt that a powerful hunter rules that stretch of forest.
As its size suggests, the Spot-bellied eagle-owl is a top predator in its environment. While many owls focus mainly on rodents or insects, this owl hunts a wider and sometimes surprising variety of prey. It feeds on mammals like hares and civets, large birds such as pheasants and junglefowl, reptiles, and occasionally even smaller owls. Its strength allows it to overpower prey nearly as large as itself, swooping down silently from a perch and seizing victims with enormous talons. This diverse diet sets it apart from smaller owl species, which usually specialize in smaller prey.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Cambodia
China
India
Laos
Myanmar
Nepal
Sri Lanka
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
