This majestic owl looks like something from a fairytale
Also known as the Forest Eagle Owl (Bubo nipalensis), this is a bird of prey with a formidable appearance.
These owls have dark brown eyes and almost horizontal ear tufts that look like horns.
The black markings on the white feathers look like lots of hearts.
These owls can be found in forests in southern and south-eastern Asia.
The species is known for its strange call which is said to sound human.
It is known locally in Sri Lanka as Ulama – aka devil bird.
They are nocturnal creatures and spend the days hiding amongst trees.
The owls become active at dusk, when they hunt small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
This is a very powerful and bold predatory owl, at the top of the bird food chain in its area.
There nesting season is from December to March, and they make nests in the hollows of trees.
Though these birds are uncommon, they have been listed as ‘Least Concern’ by Birdlife International.
