Dusky Eagle Owl

Recently, a pair of rare Dusky Eagle Owls was sighted in the Phato tourism zone of the Terai West forest division, adjacent to the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. This is significant because such sightings had not been reported in this area for 15 years, indicating the presence of a stable or recovering population in the region.

About the Dusky Eagle Owl

The Dusky Eagle Owl (Bubo coromandus) belongs to the family Strigidae and is a large, nocturnal bird of prey. It is known for its striking appearance and powerful hunting skills.

Appearance

• The owl has a greyish-brown body with prominent ear tufts.

• Its underparts are greyish-white with dark brown streaks, while its wings are dark brown with some whitish streaks.

• Females are generally larger than males, measuring about 48–53 cm in length.

Habitat

• The Dusky Eagle Owl primarily inhabits thick riverside forests and old-growth trees.

• It is nocturnal but can be active during cloudy days.

• It preys on small mammals and birds, relying on its strong flight and powerful feet for hunting.

Nesting

• This owl often uses old stick nests built by other birds, including kites, vultures, and eagles, to lay its eggs.

Distribution

• The species is found across Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and parts of China.

Conservation Status

• According to the IUCN Red List, the Dusky Eagle Owl is currently listed as Least Concern, but sightings like this indicate the importance of habitat protection for long-term population stability.

Significance of the Sighting

• The sighting after 15 years highlights the ecological importance of the Terai West forest division and the Corbett Tiger Reserve.

• It also underscores the role of protected areas and tourism zones in conserving rare and elusive species.

• Monitoring such species can help assess forest health and biodiversity in the region.