Dusky Eagle-Owl
Koromandeluhu (Bubo coromandus )
The Koromandeluhu (Bubo coromandus ) is a species of the family of real owls. It is found in South and Southeast Asia.
Features
The Koromandeluhu is a relatively large Uhuart. It reaches a body length of 48-53 centimeters. The body plumage is greyish dull to sooty. The eyes are yellow. The ear tufts are very conspicuous, stand upright and relatively close to each other. The face veil has a narrow dark border. The legs are feathered.
Confusion opportunities exist with the Bengalenuhu, since the distribution areas overlap. The plumage of the Bengalenuhus however and he has reddish orange and not yellow eyes. The Nepaluhu is spotted striking significantly higher, and on the body top. His eyes are dark brown.
Dissemination
The distribution area of Koromandeluhus is focused on the Indian subcontinent. It extends from Pakistan to the south of the Himalayas and the Indian Sind, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh in the east to Nepal, and then in a southerly direction to the Brahmaputra, Manipur and Bangladesh. Koromandeluhus are spread not only throughout the northern half of the Indian subcontinent. They also occur in western Burma and isolated in southeastern China. There are three bellows, which were collected in the Malay Peninsula. However, these presumably non-breeding vagrants from the north.
Habitat
The Koromandeluhu is widespread in regions with a dense stand of woods and wetlands. In contrast, it is absent in arid regions and deserts. He is among other things also in old mango orchards, groves, avenues with old tamarind stock or other leafy trees. It is essential for him is the proximity to water. Its altitudinal distribution ranges up to 250 meters above sea level.
Way of life
The Koromandeluhu over usually meets in the dense foliage and is active at dusk. However, unlike a lot of owls he chases relatively frequently during the day, especially on cloudy days or in light rain. He is very site- faithful if he is not disturbed and couples often stay for several years on the same territory.
Its diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fish, and large insects. On the basis of stomach contents and food remains far rats, rabbits, squirrels, pigeons, parrots, coots, Rollers, paddy heron and especially gloss and Thick-billed crows were identified as part of its prey spectrum.
The breeding season occurs during the period November to April. In northern India, the highlight of the reproductive period is the period from December to January. It breeds mainly in the abandoned nests of other large birds such as by harriers, vultures or eagles. The clutch consists of two eggs, which are laid with a large planting distance. This leads to a very large development gap between the nestlings. In general, only the older and stronger of the nest siblings is large.