Brown Wood Owl

Brown Wood Owl key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Little data

Size

45-57 cm

Diet

Carnivorous: whole prey such as mice, rats, chicks and quail

Temperament

Strictly nocturnal, a bird of dense forest that rests motionless in trees by day.

Cage

At around 50 cm it needs an aviary large enough to fly, stout perches and a dark daytime retreat.

Vocalization

It gives deep hoots and loud screams and barks when alarmed; night calls are loud.

Feeding

It eats mainly small mammals, birds and reptiles; feed whole prey and weigh the bird to set rations.

Notes

Despite the similar name it is not the native Ural owl (Strix uralensis); native owls may not in principle be caught or kept under the wildlife law, and only foreign captive-bred birds are traded.

About Brown Wood Owl

The Brown Wood Owl is a large owl native to South and East Asia, with a dark brown back, buff underside, and white-rimmed facial disc. Reaching 45–57cm, it's a CITES Appendix II species suited to experienced keepers only.

7 things to know before welcoming a Brown Wood Owl

1. 1For Experienced Keepers

   The Brown Wood Owl is considered a challenging species best suited to keepers with prior raptor or owl experience. It is not recommended as a first bird of prey. Thorough preparation and knowledge are essential before bringing one home.

2. 2Needs Spacious Housing

   Reaching 45–57cm in length, this large owl needs a spacious enclosure that allows room to stretch its wings and move freely. Perches should be sized and positioned to suit its build.

3. 3Nocturnal by Nature

   Like other wood owls, it is nocturnal, resting quietly by day and becoming active at night. Feeding schedules and a calm environment should be arranged around this rhythm.

4. 4Calm, Composed Temperament

   With a rounded, ear-tuft-free head, the Brown Wood Owl generally has a composed temperament. Individual personalities vary, and some birds may remain sensitive to noise or unfamiliar visitors until settled.

5. 5Expressive Facial Disc

   The brown facial disc rimmed in white and its deep dark eyes give the owl a distinctive, expressive look. The disc also helps funnel sound, so the bird tends to react visibly to sounds in its surroundings.

6. 6Consistent Meat-Based Diet

   As a carnivorous raptor, it requires a consistent, nutritionally balanced diet of appropriate prey items. Secure a reliable source and feeding routine before bringing one home.

7. 7Listed Under CITES Appendix II

   The Brown Wood Owl is listed under CITES Appendix II. International trade such as import or export requires an export permit from the exporting country, but no registration card under Japan's Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is needed for transfers within Japan. Importing from overseas requires an animal import notification under the Infectious Diseases Control Act.

Frequently asked questions about Brown Wood Owl

Q.Is the Brown Wood Owl suitable for beginners?

A.The Brown Wood Owl is considered a difficult species best suited to experienced keepers. If you have no prior experience with owls or raptors, it's best to build up thorough knowledge and preparation before bringing one home.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults typically reach 45 to 57 cm in total length. As a large owl, it needs housing sized appropriately for its build.

Q.What is its lifespan?

A.Reliable data on the Brown Wood Owl's lifespan in captivity is limited, so no clear figure is currently available. It's best to plan for a long-term commitment rather than relying on a specific number.

Q.What is its temperament like?

A.With its rounded, ear-tuft-free head, the Brown Wood Owl is generally considered calm and composed. Individual temperament varies, though, and some birds may be sensitive to changes in their environment until settled.

Q.Are there any considerations for transfer or trade?

A.As a CITES Appendix II species, import and export require an export permit from the exporting country, but no registration card under the Act on Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is needed for transfers within Japan. It is a different species from Japan's native Ural owl (Strix uralensis), which generally cannot be captured or kept under the Act on the Protection and Management of Wildlife, and the Optimization of Hunting. Only captive-bred birds of foreign origin are sold, so confirm the scientific name before buying.

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