Tawny Fish Owl

The Tawny Fish Owl (Ketupa flavipes), a member of the Strigidae family, is a captivating bird of prey with a distinctive orangey-rufous plumage. Its crown and upperparts are adorned with broad, blackish markings, while the scapulars present a contrasting dingy yellow, forming a band across the shoulders. The flight and tail feathers are barred dark brown and buffish. This species has a poorly defined facial disc, but a noticeable off-white area on the eyebrows and forehead. The legs are feathered over two-thirds of the tarsi, with the exposed parts being greenish-yellow and the talons a greyish-horn color.

Identification Tips

The Tawny Fish Owl is characterized by large, tousled ear tufts that hang to the sides of the head and striking yellow eyes. It is similar in size to the Brown Fish Owl but is distinguishable by its heavier build, larger wings, and the unique coloration of its plumage. The tawny fish owl's legs are partially feathered, unlike the fully feathered legs of the Blakiston's Fish Owl or the bare legs of the Buffy Fish Owl.

Habitat

This species thrives in subtropical to temperate forests, requiring tracts with mountain streams. It is often found in the Himalayan foothills, from elevations of 1,500 to 2,450 meters, preferring areas with little to no disturbance.

Distribution

The Tawny Fish Owl ranges from southern Nepal to Bangladesh, and extends to Vietnam and China. Its habitat spans across the Himalayan foothills, including regions in Laos, Myanmar, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

Behaviour

The Tawny Fish Owl exhibits a blend of diurnal and nocturnal activity, with increased movement and foraging during twilight. It is known for its powerful and aggressive nature, often hunting by swooping down to the water to capture fish. This owl is highly solitary and territorial, with a breeding season from November to February in India.

Song & Calls

The territorial call of the Tawny Fish Owl is a deep "whoo-hoo," and it is also known to emit a cat-like "meow."

Breeding

Breeding occurs from November to February, with nests located in large holes in river banks, caves in cliffs, or the forks of large trees. Typically, two eggs are laid, although sometimes only one.

Similar Species

The Tawny Fish Owl can be confused with the Buffy Fish Owl and the Brown Fish Owl. However, it is larger and more orange-rufous in color than the Buffy Fish Owl and has a more solid brown color with distinct vermiculations below compared to the Brown Fish Owl.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet includes a variety of prey such as crabs, frogs, toads, fish, and occasionally larger animals like small mammals and birds. It hunts by swooping down to the water or actively pursuing terrestrial prey.

Conservation status

The Tawny Fish Owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, due to its wide geographical distribution.