Birds ‹‹ Go Back

This is a breeding resident species found in forests and well wooded areas from the highest hills down to lowlands. This beautiful owl is also native to India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Taiwan, and south China. Fourteen subspecies have been recognized including the S.l.ochrogenys which is confined to the island.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Near Threatened” (National Red List 2012).

Brown Fish Owl is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have recorded this species at many forested areas including Nuwera eliya, Ritigala, Uda Walawa, Ankumbura in the matale district, Labugama forest reserve, Kandy, Dolukanda, Sinharaja, Kithulgala, Peak Wilderness and the Knuckles Forest reserve. Unlike the Brown Fish Owl that is active and will hunt during the day this is strictly a nocturnal species and spends the day perched on a tall tree. If disturbed it will often assume the shape of a tree stump to avoid being detected. If this act of camouflage fails, the bird will fly through the forest to a more secluded tree. This owl feeds almost entirely on small mammals such as rats, mice, and shrews.

Due to its nocturnal habits this is a difficult species to photograph during the day in Wilpattu. I have heard its call at night at Hunuwilagama and at many locations of the park. However, I was only able to photograph this species in April 2024 on Kokkare Villu upper road.