Indian Eagle Owl

• The Indian eagle-owl was classified as a species only in recent years, thus distinguishing it from the Eurasian eagle-owl.

Characteristics

• It is an imposing bird.
• The slightly larger female can reach a total length of two and a half feet, with a wingspan of six feet.
• Prominent ear tufts that look like horns are seen to project from its head.
• The widespread range includes the entire Indian peninsula.
• It has nocturnal habits have meant that very little is known about this bird.
• The Indian eagle-owl does not have a dependency on forests.
  • It feeds on rats, bandicoots, and even bats and doves, which are hunted over open scrubland and agricultural tracts.
  • Nearby rocky perches and crags provide ideal settings for its nests.
  • Near human settlements, they prefer mango trees.
• Farmers definitely profit from the presence of this owl as they feast on rodents near farms.
• IUCN Red List status– Least Concern