Silent Hunters of the Night: Celebrating the Owls of Mumbai Metropolitan Region

As the world observes International Owl Awareness Day, we at Jungle Buddies want to shed light on some of the most fascinating yet elusive residents of our urban jungle and its surrounding natural havens: the owls of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Beyond the city’s ceaseless hum, a diverse array of these silent hunters thrives across Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, and Palghar districts, each with unique preferences for habitat and hunting grounds. Join us on a nocturnal journey to discover the incredible owl species that grace our region, from city parks to dense forests and dry scrublands.

Our Urban Owls: Masters of Adaptation – Right within the heart of the bustling city, two species have mastered the art of coexisting with humans:

Barn Owl: With its ghostly white face and silent flight, the Barn Owl is a true urban ghost. It often nests in abandoned buildings, old wells, and even large roof spaces, making it a surprisingly common sight in the city’s periphery and older, quieter neighbourhoods.

Spotted Owlet: This small, charismatic owl is a familiar sight and sound in many city parks, old tree-lined avenues, and suburban gardens. Its distinctive “chirr-chirr” call and bobbing head movements make it relatively easy to spot perched on wires or tree branches at dusk.

Forest Dwellers: Guardians of the Green Cover-The extensive forests and greener pockets within the MMR are vital sanctuaries for a multitude of owl species. These secretive birds prefer the dense canopy and quiet undergrowth:

Mottled Wood Owl: Known for its haunting calls, the Mottled Wood Owl finds its home in the robust deciduous forest patches of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Barvi, and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Brown Wood Owl: A larger, equally mysterious forest resident, the Brown Wood Owl thrives in the deep woods of SGNP, Matheran, and Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Indian Scops Owl (Left): This master of camouflage, often heard but rarely seen, is a common inhabitant of the forested areas. You can listen for its distinct call in SGNP, Barvi, Tansa, Karnala, and Parshik Hills.

Oriental Scops Owl (Right): A true forest specialist, the Oriental Scops Owl prefers the dense canopies of the Haji Malang range, Matheran, the Mahuli Forest Range, Siddhagad, and other robust forests in the Murbad region.

Brown hawk-owl is another common inhabitant of the forested areas. You can listen for its distinct call in SGNP, Barvi, Tansa, Karnala, and Parshik Hills.

Jungle Owlet – A  resident forest species of the forests of SGNP, Barvi, Tansa, Karnala, and Parshik Hills

Brown Fish Owl: As its name suggests, this owl prefers habitats near water bodies within forested areas. It’s been recorded from SGNP, Barvi, Tansa, Karnala, Matheran, and likely various forest areas within Murbad and Shahpur.

Forest Owlet: This critically endangered species is a jewel of the deciduous forests. While best known from Tansa, it has also been recorded from the Murbad area. Conservationists believe it likely occurs in the Barvi-Shahpur deciduous forest range as well, making its potential sighting a truly special event.

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl: A magnificent and elusive raptor, the Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl is a truly rare find. While it should theoretically inhabit major forests across the MMR, it has only been reliably recorded from the dense woods of Matheran Hills and the Harischandragad Forest Reserve area, making it one of the region’s most sought-after owl sightings.

Dry Habitat Specialists: Adapted to the Arid Zones – Even the drier, more open landscapes and scrublands of the MMR support unique owl populations:

Indian Eagle-Owl: This impressive, large owl, known for its powerful calls, prefers the rocky outcrops and dry shrublands. It’s found in the open areas of Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, and potentially the shrublands of Murbad and Shahpur. Old quarries and grassy mountain slopes in SGNP, Barvi, Parshik Hills, and Matheran are also known strongholds.

Short-eared Owl: A migratory visitor, the Short-eared Owl favours expansive open grasslands and dry shrublands. It’s been recorded in the dry shrubland areas of Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, and likely similar habitats in Murbad and Shahpur.

The Rare Visitor: A Chance Encounter – One particular species stands out as a rare, transient visitor:

Eurasian Scops Owl: While not a resident, the Eurasian Scops Owl has made a notable appearance, with one individual famously rescued from the Mumbai International Airport, highlighting the unpredictable nature of bird migration.

Pallid Scops Owl: This species has been recorded on multiple occasions from the Bhandup mangroves area, but surprisingly also photographed around the Mumbai University campus and the Uran area, suggesting a wider, though perhaps sporadic, presence in open, wooded urban or semi-urban landscapes.

Why Owls Matter to MMR’s Ecosystem – Owls are crucial indicators of healthy ecosystems and play a vital role in pest control, helping to maintain the ecological balance across our region. From the heart of Mumbai to the farthest reaches of Palghar, Thane, and Raigad, these silent hunters are a testament to the diverse natural heritage we must protect. This International Owl Awareness Day, take a moment to appreciate these magnificent creatures.

Perhaps you’ll be inspired to explore the rich natural pockets of the MMR and, with patience and a little luck, witness the magic of an owl in its natural habitat. Jungle Buddies is committed to creating memorable experiences that foster a deeper connection with and appreciation for our region’s incredible wildlife.