The Spot-bellied Eagle-owl, also known as the Forest Eagle-owl, Bubo nipalensis is a large bird of prey with a formidable appearance. It is a forest-inhabiting species found in southern and south-eastern Asia. This, like its relative the Barred Eagle-owl, is one of the species that would have to be moved into Ketupa if that genus is to be retained, according to mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Olsen et al. 2002).
The Spot-bellied Eagle-owl is nocturnal and spends the day hidden among foliage of a large forest tree. At dusk it becomes active and hunts small mammals, reptiles, and birds up to the size of junglefowl.
Noted for its strange, human-sounding call, it is known locally as ulama or "Devil Bird" in Sri Lanka. Another local name is Maha Bakamuna ("large horned owl").
Its nesting season is from December to March.
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