The barred eagle-owl, also called the Malay eagle-owl, is a species of eagle owl in the family Strigidae. It is a member of the large genus Ketupa, which is found on most of the world's continents. This relatively little-known species is found from the southern Malay Peninsula down a string of several of the larger southeast Asian islands to as far as Borneo. It forms a superspecies with the physically similar but larger spot-bellied eagle-owl, although the two species appear to be allopatric in distribution.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the southern Malay Peninsula through Singapore into Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, including parts of Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. It inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen forests, swamp forests, and well-wooded riverine corridors. The species also uses forest edges, plantations bordering forest, and mangroves where large trees remain. It is typically tied to sizeable tracts of canopy for roosting and nesting. Encounters are most frequent along trails, streams, and clearings within forests.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the Malay eagle-owl, it is a powerful forest owl with striking black-and-white barring and long ear tufts. It forms a superspecies with the larger spot-bellied eagle-owl but they are allopatric. Primarily a lowland and hill-forest resident, it can occasionally persist in secondary habitats and edges. Ongoing forest loss in Southeast Asia is the main threat across parts of its range.
The face of a barred eagle-owl
A barred eagle-owl in Malaysia of the relatively small K. sumatrana sumatrana subspecies
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep, deliberate wingbeats through forest
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs. Pairs maintain territories and are likely monogamous, vocalizing at dusk and night to advertise territory. Nests are in tree hollows, large cavities, or occasionally old stick nests; clutch is typically one, rarely two, and both adults care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Deep, resonant hoots often given in spaced pairs or a booming series, carrying far through forest. Pairs may duet, with the female slightly higher-pitched. Calls intensify near dusk and before dawn.
Plumage
Coarse black-and-white barring below with darker brownish upperparts and fine mottling; dense, soft feathers typical of owls.
Diet
Takes small to medium vertebrates such as rodents, bats, small birds, and lizards, as well as large insects and other invertebrates. Hunts primarily from a perch, swooping down onto prey detected by sight and sound. Opportunistic near forest edges and along streams where prey activity is higher.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, over trails, riverbanks, and clearings where visibility is better than inside dense canopy. Will also hunt around villages and plantations adjacent to forest when prey is abundant.
