Mottled Wood Owl

The Mottled Wood Owl, Strix ocellata, presents itself as a large owl species devoid of ear tufts. Its plumage is a tapestry of reddish-brown and white, intricately mottled and vermiculated. The face disc is a marvel, adorned with fine concentric black and white barring, while the chin boasts a striking white. The eyelids are a vivid orange, contrasting with the dark brown iris. The tail is elegantly barred with narrow brown and black stripes.

Identification Tips

This owl's large stature and the distinctive concentric barring on its face are key identification features. The absence of ear tufts and the mottled crown distinguish it from the similar Brown Wood Owl found in southern India. Both sexes appear similar in plumage.

Habitat

The Mottled Wood Owl favors gardens and lightly wooded areas, often found adjacent to dry thorn forests or farmland. During the day, it roosts in trees, selecting branches with dense foliage for cover.

Distribution

Native to India, the Mottled Wood Owl's range extends from southern regions to the plains of northern India, west to Pakistan, and east to West Bengal. Notable sightings have been recorded in various parts of India, including recent observations in Uttar Pradesh.

Behaviour

Typically roosting in pairs during daylight hours, these owls may take flight when disturbed, even under the bright sun. They are known for their unique and somewhat unsettling chuhua-aa call, which is an antiphonal duet between the male and female. Their breeding season commences in November, with nests predominantly found from February to April. They also emit a single-note hoot and a screech reminiscent of the Barn Owl.

Song & Calls

The Mottled Wood Owl's calls are distinctive and include a tremulous duet between mates at dawn and dusk, a low hoot, and a screech. The duet is particularly eerie, with the male initiating and the female responding with a shorter, less tremulous version.

Breeding

Breeding begins in November, with nests usually located in tree hollows. The female lays two to three immaculate white eggs.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of small mammals such as palm squirrels and mice, which they hunt with precision.

Conservation status

The Mottled Wood Owl is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.