ML647296766

Observation details

After a rewarding six hours of birding along Karimbu Road and the adjoining forests and hilltops, with several lifers in the bag, we had called it a day. As we got into our vehicles near the start of Karimbu Road, fading light gave way to an eerie whistle cutting through our banter from across a large open grassland dotted with tall trees, with what seemed like a plantation beyond. We immediately knew it was a Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, but the job was not done. We had to record it, and record we did. Merlin picked up the call on our phones and correctly attributed it to the species we had already guessed. This is likely the first record of the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl from Kozhikode supported by any media, and suggests that this beautiful owl may be more common in this favourable habitat around Karimbu Road and the adjacent forests. Do note that this is also active elephant territory, especially after nightfall.