Appearance:

Approaching Eagle Owl in size, but shape more elongated, with head being extremely large. Differs from Ural Owl in yellow eyes, concentric markings in facial disks, bold white bars between eyes and black "beard". Wings and tail long. Characteristic pale patch at base of primaries shows in flight, but the species leaves an overall darker impression than Ural Owl. Tail with dark terminal band.

Sound:

Song: Cyclic, repetitive, very deep calls rising and falling in volume. Accented start and end of each "hooh". As the call fades away in volume, the speed accelerates. Sometimes disyllabic "ho-ho,ho-ho,ho-ho,ho-ho".

Song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC

CC-sound:Gunnar Fernqvist, Licence,Link.

Appearance:

Plumage a mix of rusty, creamy brown and grey, resembling a nightjar. A rather unmistakable bird, despite the lack of striking plumage features. Behaviour both passerine- and woodpecker-like, but with less woodpecker-like tree clinging. Often feeds on the ground. May give a reptile-like impression.

Sound:

Normally silent when not breeding. Song (both sexes): an insisting, Merlin- or Lesser Spotted Woodpecker-like series of plaintive "kee kee kee kee kee ". First slightly ascending, then descending. Other sounds: a guttural "gru", and hissing sounds when threatened.

Song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

Featherbase

CC