Dusky eagle-owl

The dusky eagle-owl, scientifically known as Ketupa coromanda, is a large owl species native to South and Southeast Asia. Its common name is derived from its predominantly greyish-brown coloration, complemented by prominent ear tufts. This owl is a significant resident of diverse habitats, ranging from dense forests and wooded wetlands to agricultural landscapes dotted with trees and even mature roadside avenues.

Description and Characteristics

Physically, the dusky eagle-owl is characterized by its large size, greyish-brown upperparts, and lighter, greyish-white underparts streaked with dark brown. Its wings are dark brown and exhibit some whitish streaks. A recognized subspecies, Ketupa coromanda klossii, is notably darker and lacks these prominent whitish markings on its wings and scapulars. The species's wingspan typically falls between 380 and 435 mm, with tail lengths ranging from 187 to 224 mm.

Distribution and Habitat

The geographic range of the dusky eagle-owl is extensive, spanning across South and Southeast Asia. It has been recorded in countries such as Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of China. Its preferred habitats include forests, wooded wetlands, and agricultural areas that feature scattered tree groves. Notably, it has also been observed in oil palm plantations in Peninsular Malaysia.

Behavior and Ecology

The dusky eagle-owl is primarily nocturnal, emerging from its roost shortly before sunset. However, it is adaptable and has been seen hunting during daylight hours, particularly when weather conditions are cloudy. The nesting season typically occurs between November and April, with peak breeding activity in December and January. A distinctive aspect of their nesting behavior is the reuse of stick nests constructed by other large bird species, most notably woolly-necked storks. These owls often show a preference for specific tree species and areas with a high density of stork nests, suggesting a reliance on observing the breeding patterns of these stork populations for successful nesting.

Conservation Status

The dusky eagle-owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. While its estimated extent of occurrence is vast, some data suggests this figure might be an overestimation. The species has been documented in agricultural environments that support agroforestry, highlighting the importance of such multifunctional landscapes for maintaining healthy breeding populations.