The forest eagle owl or spot bellied eagle owl is the largest species of owl in Sri Lanka. Known locally as the Ulama or "Devil Bird" this bird was feared by villagers as the omen of death. They believed in local folklore that if the bird call is heard at night , someone in the village is going to die. Some even abandoned their village in fear that someone would die. In reality this is a majestic bird species who is an amazing predator. Here seen with a freshly killed Black Naped Hare in its clutches. Notice how the other birds are making alarm calls to its presence. One of the rarest sightings in the wilds of Sri Lanka.
