Brown Fish Owl

The Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) is a robust bird of prey, belonging to the family Strigidae, commonly known as typical owls. It is characterized by its rufous brown plumage, streaked with black or dark brown, and a white, puffed throat. The species exhibits prominent ear tufts and a facial disk that is less defined than in other owls. The eyes are a striking golden yellow, and the feet, devoid of feathers, are a vivid yellow.

Identification Tips

Adult Brown Fish Owls typically measure between 48 to 61 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 125 to 140 cm. They display sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger than males. The species can be identified by its heavy streaking on the upperparts and barring on the underparts. The bill is dark, and the legs are long, an adaptation for capturing fish.

Habitat

This owl favors forests and wooded wetlands, often found near streams, lakes, or rice fields. It thrives in lowland areas but can also be found in submontane forests up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Distribution

The Brown Fish Owl is native to a broad region extending from Turkey through South and Southeast Asia. It is a resident species, with its range covering over 7,000 km.

Behaviour

The Brown Fish Owl is known for its nocturnal habits, although it may occasionally hunt during the day in overcast conditions. It typically hunts by wading into shallow waters or perching over water to snatch prey with its long legs and powerful talons.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Brown Fish Owl include a deep, resonant "boom-uh-boom," a series of "hup hup hu," and a loud, continuous "huhuhuhuhuhuhu." Its territorial song, a trisyllabic "tu-hoo-hoo," is often heard before breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from November to April, with the season peaking earlier in the north and later in the south. Nests are often located in large trees, natural holes, or abandoned nests of other large birds. The clutch typically consists of two eggs, with incubation lasting around 38 days.

Similar Species

The Brown Fish Owl may be confused with the Buffy Fish Owl, but it is slightly larger and has a darker brown hue.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet primarily consists of fish, frogs, and aquatic crustaceans, with a preference for larger freshwater fish and Potamon crabs. It may also consume small mammals, snakes, lizards, insects, and occasionally water birds.

Conservation status

The Brown Fish Owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it faces threats from habitat destruction and superstitions that lead to killings during the Diwali festival in India. Conservation efforts are underway to address these issues.