Dusky Eagle-Owl
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: NIE
Subject: Species in News
Context: The elusive Dusky Eagle-owl (Ketupa coromanda) has been sighted in the Phato tourism zone of Uttarakhand’s Terai West forest division after a 15-year hiatus.
About Dusky Eagle-Owl:
What it is?
• The Dusky Eagle-owl is a large, powerful bird of prey belonging to the family Strigidae. Unlike many other owls, it is notably partly diurnal, meaning it can be active and hunt during the day, especially in cloudy or overcast weather.
Habitat and Distribution:
• General Range: Found across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
• Specific Environment: It favors lowland riparian forests (forests near water bodies), plantations, and old-growth woodlands.
• Elevation: Typically resides in flat, open habitats at elevations ranging from 0 to 250 meters.
IUCN Status: Least Concern.
Key Characteristics:
• Physical: A large, grayish-brown owl (48–58 cm long) with striking yellow eyes. It features long, prominent ear tufts (feathers used for camouflage and communication), fine barring on its underparts, and white patches on its shoulders.
• A large, grayish-brown owl (48–58 cm long) with striking yellow eyes.
• It features long, prominent ear tufts (feathers used for camouflage and communication), fine barring on its underparts, and white patches on its shoulders.
• Biological/Dietary: An apex predator with a highly diverse diet. It hunts birds (crows, parakeets, herons), mammals (rats, hares, squirrels, porcupines), fish, reptiles, and insects.
• Social/Breeding: It rarely builds its own nest, preferring to repurpose old stick nests made by kites, vultures, or eagles. A female typically lays 1 to 3 eggs.
• Vocalization: Its call consists of low, guttural notes that increase in speed and volume before trailing off.
Significance:
• Known as a litmus test species, its presence indicates a healthy, undisturbed ecosystem with a robust prey base.
• Its elusive nature and superior camouflage make it a master of disguise, rarely seen by humans even in known habitats.
• The sighting in the Corbett landscape reflects the success of habitat management and the restoration of natural corridors in Uttarakhand.