The mottled wood owl is a species of large owl found in India and Nepal. They are found in gardens and thin deciduous forests adjacent to dry thorn forests or farmland. They are easily detected by their distinctive tremulous, eerie calls at dawn and dusk. The characteristic call is a duet of the male and female, while other notes include a low hoot and a screech. Their large size, lack of "ear" tufts and the concentric barring on the face make them easy to identify.
Region
Indian Subcontinent
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly across India with extensions into the lowlands of Nepal, favoring open woodland, dry deciduous forest, and agricultural mosaics with scattered large trees. It is frequently found near villages, orchards, and groves, as well as along field edges and canal lines. Dense thorn scrub adjacent to cultivation and lightly wooded parks also attract the species. Daytime roosts are typically in tall, leafy trees that offer shade and concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The mottled wood owl is a large, ear-tuftless owl of the Indian subcontinent, easily recognized by its rufous face with concentric barring. Pairs perform eerie, tremulous duets at dawn and dusk that carry far across open country. It often roosts in large leafy trees within villages, groves, or along field edges, showing a surprising tolerance of human-modified landscapes.
Mottled Wood-owl at Bardiya, Nepal.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
silent flier with deep, steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, often roosting by day in dense foliage. Breeding pairs use tree cavities or broken tree crowns for nesting and may reuse favored sites for years. Clutches are small and both parents attend the young. Pairs maintain territories with frequent vocal duets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A haunting, tremulous series of notes delivered as a male–female duet at dawn and dusk. Additional calls include low hoots and occasional harsh screeches. The voice carries well across open farmland and groves.
