Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl - Taxonomy

Taxonomy

This, like its close relative, the Barred Eagle-Owl, is one of the species that would have to be moved into Ketupa if that genus is to be retained, according to mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Olsen et al. 2002). Unlike the "fish owls" that were also considered to be included in Keputa, the Barred and the Spot-bellied species are not closely tied to riparian habitats and piscivorous eating habits.