Owls are mysterious creatures of the night. With their large, forward-facing eyes and ability to turn their heads 270 degrees, they are excellent nighttime hunters. Most owls are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day.
While over 200 species of owls exist worldwide, some are incredibly rare and elusive. Spotting one of these owls is an exciting experience for any birdwatcher. Let’s explore some of the world’s rarest and most fascinating owl-like birds.
Blakiston’s Fish Owl
One of the rarest owls is Blakiston’s fish owl (Bubo blakistoni). This large owl is found in Russia, China, Japan, and Korea. At up to 2 feet tall with a wingspan reaching 6 feet, it is one of the biggest owls in the world.
Blakiston’s fish owl lives near rivers and lakes, feeding mainly on fish. Its powerful talons help it catch large fish like salmon. This nocturnal hunter roosts in trees during the day. Its loud, deep hoots help the owls communicate and establish territories.
Fewer than 1,000 Blakiston’s fish owls exist today. Loss of old-growth forest habitat in Russia and Japan has contributed to its decline. These magnificent owls are classified as Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Forest Owlet
The forest owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) is one of the world’s most endangered owls. It is found only in central India. This small reddish-brown owl has bright yellow eyes and lives in dry, open forests.
For over 100 years, the forest owlet was thought to be extinct. It was rediscovered in 1997 in the Nandurbar district. Since then, conservation efforts have helped protect remnant populations. However, habitat loss continues to threaten this rare bird.
Researchers estimate only a few hundred breeding pairs of forest owlets exist. The species is listed as Critically Endangered, making it one of the rarest owls on Earth.
Bonin Scops Owl
The smallest Japanese owl is the Bonin scops owl (Otus elegans). This owl is only found on the Ogasawara Islands, an isolated archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It prefers subtropical forests but also inhabits urban areas on the island of Chichi-jima.
Adult Bonin scops owls are reddish-brown above with white underparts. Their loud, repetitive calls of “poo-poo-poo” can be heard at night. They feed mostly on insects and small lizards. These petite owls are only about 7 inches long.
Habitat loss and predation by invasive species have reduced the Bonin scops owl population to around 100-120 individuals. Classified as Critically Endangered, conservation programs aim to protect their limited island habitat.
Pharaoh Eagle-Owl
Africa is home to the pharaoh eagle-owl (Bubo ascalaphus), one of the largest and most powerful owls. Weighing up to 4.5 pounds with a 6-foot wingspan, this desert owl has tawny plumage with intricate barring and spots.
Pharaoh eagle-owls inhabit rocky ravines and open savannas. At night, their deep booming calls can be heard up to 3 miles away. These impressive predators hunt mammals, birds, reptiles, and large insects.
Widespread but uncommon, the pharaoh eagle-owl is considered Near Threatened. As its habitat is lost and fragmented, this desert specialist becomes more vulnerable. Fewer than 10,000 are thought to remain across Africa and the Middle East.
Sulu Hornbill Owl
One of the most mysterious owls is the Sulu hornbill owl (Mimizuku gurneyi). This ginger-colored owl lives only in montane forests on two small islands in the southern Philippines.
First described in 1892, no Sulu hornbill owls were seen for over a century. It was feared extinct until rediscovered in 1993. Little is known about this extremely rare species. It feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and even small birds.
With its closed facial disc and upright posture, the Sulu hornbill owl looks distinct from typical owls. Taxonomists have debated whether it belongs in its own genus Mimizuku. Critically Endangered, under 100 birds likely persist today.
Rufous Fishing Owl
One of the most distinctive owls is the rufous fishing owl (Ketupa rufa). This reddish-brown owl has a heavily streaked breast and dark brown facial discs. A shaggy crest gives it a wild appearance.
Found in South and Southeast Asia, rufous fishing owls live along rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Their diet consists mainly of fish, but they also eat other vertebrates. These massive owls can have a wingspan over 5 feet.
Habitat loss has contributed to declining populations of the rufous fishing owl. The species is currently listed as Near Threatened, though some local populations are endangered. About 10,000 total birds remain.
Northern Spotted Owl
An owl of great conservation concern is the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). This medium-sized owl lives in old-growth forests along the Pacific coast of North America.
Northern spotted owls have dark brown plumage with white spots. They hunt at night, preying on small mammals like voles, mice, and woodrats. Pairs establish lifelong breeding territories in mature forests.
Widespread logging of old-growth forests has severely impacted northern spotted owl populations. Competition with the barred owl also threatens their survival. Listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, roughly 3,000 birds remain.
Omani Owl
The Arabian Peninsula is home to the rare Omani owl (Strix omanensis). Described as a new species in 2013, this cryptic owl inhabits remote wadis and rocky canyons in Oman and eastern Saudi Arabia.
The Omani owl has reddish-brown and gray plumage. It hunts at night for invertebrates, small mammals, and birds. During the day, these owls roost on rocky cliff ledges or in caves.
Classified as Vulnerable, the global population likely numbers under 1000 owls. Threats include habitat degradation and limited suitable territory. More surveys are needed to better understand the status of this newly discovered species.
Eastern Grass Owl
An extremely rare owl endemic to southeastern Australia is the eastern grass owl (Tyto longimembris). As its name suggests, this owl inhabits open grassy areas including farms, plains, and heathlands.
Nocturnal and earless, the eastern grass owl hunts rodents and insects. Its streaked brown plumage provides camouflage in grassy habitats. During the day, it roosts in dense vegetation or abandoned rabbit burrows.
With possibly fewer than 250 adult birds, the eastern grass owl is Critically Endangered. Predation and habitat loss have caused rapid declines. An active recovery program aims to protect remaining populations.
Andaman Masked Owl
Found only on a few Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman masked owl (Tyto dobbeli) is a little-known owl. This reddish-brown owl has a heart-shaped facial disc and dark eyes.
The Andaman masked owl inhabits rainforests and wooded areas. It feeds nocturnally on insects, small mammals, and birds. During the day, it roosts in dense foliage and tree hollows.
This rare owl suffers from deforestation across its limited range. The global population likely numbers under 500 adult birds. Classified as Endangered, conservation programs aim to protect its remaining forest habitat.
Conclusion
These amazing owls showcase the diversity of the order Strigiformes. From diminutive scops owls to massive eagle-owls, owls have adapted to habitats worldwide. Yet many remain imperiled as old-growth forests disappear and grasslands are converted to farmland.
Seeing a rare owl in the wild is an unforgettable experience. But protecting their habitat is key so future generations can also appreciate these mysterious birds of prey. Through conservation and research, we can ensure the world’s rarest owls continue gracing our night skies.
