Spot-Bellied Eagle-Owl

Category: Environment & Biodiversity | GS Paper III

SEO Title: Spot-Bellied Eagle-Owl: Habitat, Distribution, Characteristics and Conservation Status

UPSC Notes

The Spot-Bellied Eagle-Owl (Ketupa nipalensis), also known as the Forest Eagle-Owl, is a large nocturnal bird of prey found across parts of South and Southeast Asia.

 

  • Habitat: Forests, wooded hills and areas with mature trees.

  • Distribution: Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and mainland Southeast Asia.

  • Identification: Large body, prominent ear tufts and spotted underparts.

  • Ecological role: Controls populations of rodents and other small animals.

  • Conservation relevance: Forest degradation and habitat fragmentation can affect suitable nesting and hunting areas.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Ketupa nipalensis.

  • Family: Strigidae.

  • It is a bird of prey, not a migratory waterbird.

  • Remember its association with forest ecosystems and nocturnal hunting.