Spot-bellied eagle-owl recorded in Melghat’s Semadoh forest range

A spot-bellied eagle-owl was recorded for the first time in the Semadoh forest range of Melghat, Amravati district. Local nature guide Bhola Mawaskar and his team observed it on 5 November while on a forest excursion. The owl was perched in a tree with prey in its beak.

Wildlife researcher Saurabh Jawanjal identified the bird after reviewing a photograph and learning where it had been seen. The owl is identifiable by dark spots and bars on its pale underside. The observation adds a record of the species in Melghat.

Notable Points

• Spot-bellied eagle-owl breeding: The species’ nesting season is generally December to March. Most recorded nests are in large tree hollows, though abandoned stick nests, caves and sheltered rock fissures are also used. Only one egg per clutch has been recorded.
• Spot-bellied eagle-owl identification: The species has pale underparts with horizontal dark markings. Stripes along the flanks broaden into spots on the abdomen and undertail coverts.
• Spot-bellied eagle-owl taxonomy: Genetic research has led to the species being widely placed in the genus Ketupa, distinct from the typical Bubo owls.