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Ketupa zeylonensis

Brown Fish Owl

BirdBest Season: Jan–Dec

Best locations

9

Expert creators

0

Field Reports (12 months)

0

Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis) — wildlife photography in India

(c) Шальнов Кирилл, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Шальнов Кирилл

About this species

The Brown Fish Owl is a large, boldly streaked owl that inhabits rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout India. It hunts fish by wading in shallows and snatching from the surface. Pairs roost together in large riverside trees — Ranthambore's Malik Talao and Kabini's reservoir edge are reliable locations. Watch Brown Fish Owls at India's forest rivers and lakes. Fishing owl behaviour — nocturnal birding guide and best reserve locations.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Ketupa zeylonensis
Category / family
Bird · —
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Moderate
Best locations
Ranthambore National ParkJim Corbett National ParkCauvery Wildlife SanctuaryKinnerasani Wildlife SanctuaryMudumalai National ParkNagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park

Field Reports

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Best locations for Brown Fish Owl

Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.

RajasthanRanthambore National Park
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UttarakhandJim Corbett National Park
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KarnatakaCauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
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TelanganaKinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
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Tamil NaduMudumalai National Park
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KarnatakaNagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park
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When and Where to Photograph Brown Fish Owl

The Brown Fish Owl is a large, boldly streaked owl that inhabits rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout India. It hunts fish by wading in shallows and snatching from the surface. Pairs roost together in large riverside trees — Ranthambore's Malik Talao and Kabini's reservoir edge are reliable locations. Watch Brown Fish Owls at India's forest rivers and lakes. Fishing owl behaviour — nocturnal birding guide and best reserve locations.

Plan field days around Jan–Dec: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Ranthambore National Park.

Related species

  • Sarus Crane
  • Malabar Pied Hornbill
  • Great Indian Bustard
  • Indian Peafowl
  • Western Tragopan
  • Goliath Heron
  • Fire-Tailed Sunbird
  • Andaman Serpent Eagle
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