Fun Dusky Eagle-owl Facts For Kids

Do you like learning about owls such as the northern saw-whet owl? If you do, then you might be interested in learning about the dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus), which is found in southern and Southeast Asia.

It gets its Latin name from the Coromandel Coast of India, where the species was first discovered. Little is known about this species, which is why more studies are needed to learn about its occurrence and population range.

However, what we do know is that these majestic birds are quite powerful and feed on everything from birds to small mammals to insects.

Their breeding period is between November and April and usually results in two owlets being born every year. Currently, the dusky-eagle owl has been listed as a species of Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

Want to know more about this owl species? Keep reading to find more dusky eagle-owl facts. If you want to learn more about owls, check out our articles on the Javan scops owl and the Anjouan scops owl.

Dusky Eagle-Owl Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a dusky eagle-owl?

The dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus) is a species of owl belonging to the Strigidae family.

What class of animal does a dusky eagle-owl belong to?

The dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus), which is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, belongs to the class Aves and to the genus Bubo.

How many dusky eagle-owls are there in the world?

The number is unknown as not enough studies have been done to date. However, more studies are currently underway, which will hopefully provide that information.

Where do dusky eagle-owls live?

Being a member of the family Strigidae, the Dusky eagle-owl distribution range is in several different countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and China. However, one of the first birds of this species was found along the Coromandel Coast of India, which is where the species get its Latin name.

Where do dusky eagle-owls make their habitat?

The dusky eagle-owl habitat varies according to the region. However, the species usually makes its home in forests, wooded wetlands, and agricultural areas. A fork in a large, old tree is often a favorite nesting spot for these birds. In Malaysia, this species has been seen nesting near oil palm plantations and in trees along the roadside.

Do dusky eagle-owls live in groups?

Like most other owl species, the dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus) likes to roost alone. However, according to data, when they're breeding, their population may nest with another.

How long do dusky eagle-owls live?

According to data, the average lifespan range of the dusky eagle-owl (listed as Least Concern in IUCN Red List) is 20 to 30 years.

How do they reproduce?

The breeding season for these birds is November to April. You can often find them nesting in the fork of a large tree.

They sometimes use nests left behind by other birds such as raptors or kites. The female generally lays around two eggs per breeding season. It's assumed that both parents incubate the eggs for up to 30 days, but more studies are needed in order to confirm these details.

What is their conservation status?

This species has been classified as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List based on current population data. In India, this species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Dusky Eagle-Owl Fun Facts

What do dusky eagle-owls look like?

The most noticeable part of the dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus) is its prominent ear tufts, which are horn-like and make it look somewhat devilish. Other distinctive physical characteristics include its wings, which are dark brown; its tail, which is also dark brown but with a lighter tip; its beautiful yellow eyes, and its bluish-gray bill.

How cute are they?

This species isn't as cute as the red owl, but its dark brown plumage could be considered handsome.

How do they communicate?

These owls make a 'wo-wo-wo-wo-wo-wo-wowowo' sound, which is often followed by a rumbling 'woo-woo-woo' sound. During the breeding season of November to April, day or night, owl pairs often perform duets, with females producing a higher-pitched sound.

How big are dusky eagle-owls?

Generally, the dusky eagle-owl size is in the range of 18.8-20.8 in (48–53 cm). Compared to it, the average tawny owl ranges in size from 14-18 in (35.6-45.7 cm).

How fast can dusky eagle-owls fly?

There is no exact data on the speed range of the dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus). However, in general, eagle-owls, especially Eurasian eagle-owls, fly at a maximum speed of 31 mph (49.8 kph).

How much do dusky eagle-owls weigh?

We are yet to collect any data about the weight range of the dusky eagle-owl that nests from November to April on top of a large tree in Asian countries.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There are no separate names for males and females of this species. However, at times, female owls are also called hen owls.

What would you call a baby dusky eagle-owl?

A baby owl is called an owlet.

What do they eat?

As apex predators, these owls often hunt other birds. Crow is one of the most prominent food items on its list, but it also preys on parakeets, pigeons, waterbirds, and doves.

Similarly, it also preys on small- to medium-sized mammals it finds in its habitat. Data has shown that the dusky eagle-owl eats porcupines. It may also feed on fish, reptiles, and amphibians, and when food is limited, insects too.

It is a semi-diurnal species, but during dull days, it prefers to hunt in the morning. When prey is large, this bird prefers to decapitate it before carrying it to a tree.

Are they dangerous?

Well, these owls wouldn't purposely harm you, but they do have the perfect weapons to protect themselves if they sense trouble. As a bird of prey, they have sharp claws and beaks to damage even the strongest of skins.

Would they make a good pet?

No, the dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus) is a wild bird that is one of the sharpest predators. Moreover, it is protected under different wildlife laws, so you cannot keep it as a pet. However, you may try your luck seeing one at a zoo.

Did you know...

John Latham was the first person to describe the dusky eagle-owl in 1790 and classified it as Strix coromanda.

Different types of eagle-owl

The genus Bubo contains many eagle-owls such as the Indian eagle-owl, Philippine eagle-owl, Akun eagle-owl, spotted eagle-owl, and many more. Along with 20 extant species, fossil records of more than four species have also been found.

Why are they called dusky eagle-owls?

The dusky eagle-owl is an owl rather than an eagle. Its prominent ear tufts and a similar look to that of eagles give this bird its name. Moreover, the dusky eagle-owl also belongs to the family Strigidae and genus Bubo.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our Anjouan scops owl facts and oriental scops owl facts pages.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable barn owl coloring pages.

Main image by ArjunBasandrai122.

Second image by Dr. Raju Kasambe.