Rare Himalayan wood owl spotted in Ilam

A pair of the rare Himalayan wood owl has been sighted in Thumkerani, Maijogmai Rural Municipality, Ilam.

Wildlife photographer Deven Kharel from Jhapa and former president of the Koshi Bird Society, Anish Timalsina, captured the owl pair on camera during a week-long bird-watching event that started on August 4.

Kharel said the owl belongs to the owl family and is scientifically known as the Himalayan wood owl. This species is found in parts of India, western Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, eastern Tibet, northeastern Myanmar, China, Korea, and Taiwan. In Nepal, it is very rare and mainly lives in mid- to high-altitude forests.

The owl usually inhabits forests between 1,000 and 3,600 meters, including pine, fir, and rhododendron areas. This year, the owl was recorded at 2,350 meters in Thumkerani, according to Timalsina.

The owl has a round head without visible ear tufts, a grey and white speckled face, brown body, white belly with fine brown markings, and patterned wings. Its appearance may resemble other owls, but its color and calls are unique.

The pair communicates with a deep “hoo-hoo” sound, and they are active in the evening and at night. They feed on mice, frogs, small birds, night butterflies, and large insects. Breeding occurs from late winter to spring, with eggs laid in tree holes or on rock ledges.

Globally, the Himalayan wood owl depends on healthy forests, and deforestation is making it increasingly rare.

During the recent bird-watching event, Kharel and Timalsina recorded 130 bird species in the eastern Lekali region, including Maijogmai, highlighting the rich but vulnerable wildlife. Kharel emphasized the need for conservation, saying, “Hundreds of bird species are found in these forests, but without protection, they are at risk.”