Rock Eagle Owl

Recently, the discovery of a Rock Eagle Owl nest led the Telangana Forest Department to halt quarrying operations for over a month. This action highlights the ecological importance of the species and the need to protect its natural habitat.

About the Rock Eagle Owl

The Rock Eagle Owl, scientifically named Bubo bengalensis, is also known as the Indian eagle-owl or Bengal eagle-owl. It is a large-horned owl species native to hilly scrub forests in India. The species was previously considered a subspecies of the Eurasian eagle-owl.

Appearance

• The Rock Eagle Owl is typically brown and grey in color, with a white throat patch featuring black stripes.

• Chicks are born with white fluff, which is gradually replaced by speckled feathers during the pre-juvenile moult after about two weeks.

• These owls are usually seen in pairs.

• They have a deep, resonant booming call, often heard at dawn and dusk.

Habitat and Distribution

• The species prefers rocky areas in the mainland of the Indian subcontinent, south of the Himalayas.

• It avoids humid evergreen forests and extremely arid regions.

• Distribution: Found primarily in India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

• CITES: Appendix II

The Rock Eagle Owl plays an important role in its ecosystem, and its protection can influence industrial and developmental activities, as demonstrated by the halt of quarrying in Telangana.