Brown Fish-Owl
NameBrown Fish-Owl
Common NameBrown Fish-Owl
Scientific NameKetupa zeylonensis
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)54.5
Weight (g)1800
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown, heavily streaked with dark brown. Underparts are paler, buffy-white to creamy, with prominent dark brown streaks. It has distinctive, shaggy ear tufts that splay outwards and bright yellow irises.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a deep, resonant hooting call, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or a series of deep, guttural hoots. It also produces various growls, screeches, and cat-like calls.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range in South and Southeast Asia, from Turkey and the Middle East, through the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, extending to parts of Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Prominent, shaggy ear tufts, Bright yellow eyes, Streaked brown plumage, Unfeathered tarsi (legs), Often found near water
Description
The Brown Fish-Owl is a large, powerful owl characterized by its prominent, shaggy ear tufts and bright yellow eyes. It is primarily nocturnal and specializes in hunting aquatic prey, often found near rivers and lakes in forested regions.
