The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, also known as the Forest Eagle-Owl, is a bird of prey found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This magnificent creature is a forest-dwelling species and is considered part of a superspecies with the Barred Eagle-Owl. These two owls share similarities in appearance but have different distributions.

 

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Taxonomically, the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl would be moved into the genus Ketupa, according to mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data. However, all eagle-owls, fish owls and snowy owls have been deemed insufficiently distinct to warrant separate genera and are currently considered to be within the genus Bubo.

 

The Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is a large species measuring 50-65 cm in length, making it the sixth longest owl in the world on average. It weighs between 1.3-1.5 kg but is likely to be more towards the high end, with some individuals weighing up to 2.5 kg. Its ear-tufts are very long and variable in length, giving it a scraggly appearance. Its feet and talons are large, heavy, and powerful.

 

This owl is found in forests and is not closely tied to riparian habitats. It has a varied diet and breeds in a similar manner to other eagle-owls. The conservation status of the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is currently being evaluated by the IUCN as Least Concern. It is imperative to ensure that the survival and population of this magnificent bird is protected and preserved for future generations.