The brown fish owl is a fish owl species in the family known as typical owls, Strigidae. It is native from Turkey to South and Southeast Asia. Due its wide distribution it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It inhabits forests and wooded wetlands. Of the four living species of fish owl, it is the most widely distributed, most common and best-studied. It occupies a range of over 7,000 km (4,300 mi).
Region
South and Southeast Asia extending west to Turkey
Typical Environment
Occupies wooded wetlands, riverine forests, mangroves, reservoirs, and rocky ravines with permanent water. It favors riparian trees and cliff ledges for roosting and nesting and is often seen along slow-moving streams and lakes. The species tolerates moderately disturbed landscapes, including irrigation canals and village edges, if mature trees and water are present. It generally avoids dense closed-canopy forests far from water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown fish owl is a large, water-associated owl that specializes in catching fish, frogs, and crustaceans. Unlike many owls, it often hunts from low perches over streams or by snatching prey from the water’s surface. Its toes are sparsely feathered and equipped with rough spicules that help grip slippery prey. Prominent outward-pointing ear tufts and bright yellow eyes make it distinctive even at dusk.
At Ranthambore National Park
A brown fish owl of the nominate subspecies zeylonensis, which is smaller and darker than other subspecies
A brown fish owl in India
A juvenile at Sim's Park, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
An adult Brown Fish Owl at Barpeta Assam by Hedayeat Ullah
Foot showing adaptations to catch fish
Egg of the brown fish owl
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats; low, silent passes over water
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, maintaining territories along stretches of water. Pairs form long-term bonds and nest in tree hollows, cliff ledges, or old stick nests, typically laying 1–2 eggs. Roosts by day in dense foliage or on shaded rock ledges near water.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant hoots often delivered as duets by pairs, with accelerating or rising phrases. Also gives harsh screeches and barks when alarmed or during territorial displays.
