Indian eagle-owl

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The Indian eagle-owl, also called the Bengal eagle-owl or rock eagle-owl (Bubo bengalensis), is a large horned owl found in the rocky scrub forests of the Indian subcontinent. It is brown and grey, with a white throat patch and black stripes. Its face has a distinctive black-edged, unmarked look. There is some color variation among individuals.

Where it lives and what it’s like to see
This owl favors scrub and light to medium forests, especially rocky hills, ravines, and river banks below the Himalayas. It usually stays under cover during the day, often in thick trees near villages, or in rocky shelters. It is commonly seen in pairs.

Vocalizations and behavior
The Indian eagle-owl has a deep, two-note booming call that rises at dawn and dusk, with peak calling in February during the breeding season. Young birds make clicking sounds and wings-flapping displays to look larger. Adults will mob any potential threats to their nests, sometimes flying in zig-zag patterns to protect them.

What it eats
Its diet is mostly rodents for much of the year, with birds becoming more common prey in winter. It also eats other small animals, including francolins, doves, rollers, and sometimes larger birds. In some areas, large rodents and even notably big prey like woolly flying squirrels have been recorded. When feeding on rodents, it tears the prey into pieces rather than swallowing whole.

Breeding and nesting
Nesting takes place mainly from November to April. A typical clutch has three to four creamy white eggs. Nests are found on bare soil in a natural hollow, on a cliff ledge, or under a dense bush, and the site is used year after year. Eggs hatch after about 33 days, and the chicks stay with their parents for about six months.

Life and culture
The Indian eagle-owl is a large, striking bird with a powerful voice. In some cultures, it is linked to superstitions and considered an ill omen. Some beliefs say that if the bird is starved and beaten, it will speak like a human or bring wealth, while others claim killing it will reveal a lucky bone.

Conservation status
This species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, meaning it is not considered at immediate risk of extinction.