Tawny Fish-Owl
NameTawny Fish-Owl
Common NameTawny Fish-Owl
Scientific NameKetupa flavipes
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)135
Length (cm)59
Weight (g)2250
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown to tawny, heavily streaked with dark brown or black. Underparts are paler tawny-buff with prominent dark brown streaks. The facial disc is indistinct, tawny with dark streaks, and it has prominent, shaggy ear tufts. The irises are bright yellow.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a deep, booming hoot, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo', as well as various growls and screeches.
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range in Asia, from the Himalayas (northern India, Nepal, Bhutan) through Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam) to parts of China and Taiwan.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Prominent ear tufts, Bright yellow eyes, Tawny-brown plumage with heavy dark streaking, Unfeathered tarsi (legs)
Description
The Tawny Fish-Owl is a large, powerful owl characterized by its prominent ear tufts and striking yellow eyes. It primarily hunts fish and other aquatic prey, inhabiting forested areas near water bodies.
