Krabi owls are some of the coolest birds to be found in the area! How does someone usually go about finding owls in the rainforests of Krabi, Thailand? We’ll give you some hints below.
They are very difficult to find when walking around, but if you want an adventure and to walk through the jungle following their call, you can be rewarded with great views of some of Krabi’s coolest owls. Let’s GO!
A Night Out with Krabi’s Owls: Your Guide to Spotting These Amazing Birds
Ever wondered what happens in Thailand’s forests after dark? In Krabi, when the sun sets and tourists head back to their hotels, resorts, bungalows, and hostels, another world comes alive. The stars of this nighttime show? OWLS! These fascinating birds call Krabi’s forests, mangroves, and even city parks their home. Let’s cover some of the places you can find owls in Krabi and learn a bit about them at the same time!
Book a Birding Tour by boat in the mangroves close to Krabi Town
to see owls and 20-30+ other bird species
(Kingfishers, Eagles, Osprey, Egrets, Heron, Pittas, and more!)
The Best Places to Find Owls in Krabi
Want to spot an owl in Krabi?
Huay Toh Waterfall – Deep in the heart of Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, you’ll find some of Thailand’s most impressive owls. The park’s thick rainforest is perfect for spotting the fierce-looking Barred Eagle-Owl (Bubo sumatranas) and the mysterious Brown Wood Owl (Strix leptogrammica). The best part? The park’s network of trails makes it easy to explore, even at night if you want to walk around the park (with or without a guide).
Krabi River Mangroves – If you’re up for an adventure, hop on a birdwatching boat tour and cruise through Krabi’s mangrove forests. These twisting waterways are home to the Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo), which loves perching on the mangrove branches while hunting for fish and crabs below.
Mountain Trail in Tub Kaak – For the hiking enthusiasts, Dragon Crest Mountain (Khao Ngon Nak) offers more than just amazing views. As you climb through different types of forest, keep your eyes peeled for the shy Oriental Bay Owl. They’re masters of hiding, but with patience, you might get lucky!
Don’t think you need to trek into the wilderness to see owls. The cute little Spotted Owlet often hangs out right in Krabi Town. Look up at the trees in local parks or even around your hotel – you might spot one of these charismatic birds watching the world go by.
Meet Krabi’s Owl Family
Let’s get to know some of the owls you might see…
The Barred Eagle-Owl is like the heavyweight champion of Krabi’s owls. Picture a big, powerful bird with distinctive ear tufts that look like little horns. When this owl hoots, you’ll feel it in your chest – it’s that deep! They’re partial to hanging out near rivers and streams where they hunt for their dinner.
Brown Wood Owls are the ninjas of the forest. Their brown feathers have these amazing patterns that make them practically invisible against tree bark. They’re about the size of a cat and are incredibly skilled hunters, swooping down silently to catch everything from mice to small birds.
The Spotted Wood Owl looks like it’s wearing a fancy polka-dot suit. These owls have figured out how to thrive in both wild and urban areas, which is pretty impressive. They’re not too picky about their food either – they’ll eat anything from insects to small mammals.
The Oriental Bay Owl is like the forest’s hide-and-seek champion. These smaller owls have perfected the art of camouflage, with feathers that look exactly like tree bark. They’re mostly insect hunters, but they’ll also grab small lizards or mice if they get the chance.
Then there’s the Spotted Owlet, the city slicker of the owl world. These little guys are about the size of a pigeon and have adapted really well to urban life. They’re not shy about hunting under street lights or perching on buildings.
Tips for Your Krabi Owl Adventure
Ready to go owl watching? Here’s what you need to know:
First, timing is everything. Most owls are most active just after sunset and just before sunrise. That’s when you’ll have the best chance of seeing them hunting or calling to each other.
Bring a good flashlight with a red filter. The red light doesn’t bother the owls as much as white light, and it helps preserve your own night vision too. Some experienced owl watchers even use special infrared cameras to spot owls in complete darkness.
Dress right for your adventure. Wear dark, quiet clothes (no swishy rain jackets!) and comfortable shoes. You’ll be moving slowly and quietly, but you might be out for several hours.
The secret weapon of owl spotting? Your ears! Each owl species has its own unique call. The Barred Eagle-Owl has a deep “hoo-hoo,” while the Spotted Owlet makes a chattering sound that’s more like “chiwak-chiwak.” There are great apps and websites where you can learn these calls before you go out to find them in Krabi.
Capturing Owls with Your Camera
If you want to photograph owls, you’ll need some specific gear. A camera that performs well in low light is essential – think full-frame sensors and lenses that can open up to f/2.8 or wider. A good zoom lens (300mm-800mm or longer) lets you get close-up shots without disturbing the owls.
Cameras that allow high ISO settings for great low-light shots are perfect. A camera which can provide usable images shooting with 6400 or 12800 ISO would be ideal. That way you wouldn’t need to blast the owls with high lumens lights that can cause temporary blindness.
Don’t forget your binoculars! For night viewing, look for ones with good light-gathering ability. An 8×42 or 10×42 pair is perfect for owl watching. Just about any will work though. We have a pair of Nikon 7x20CF birdwatching binoculars that works well too.
Being a Responsible Owl Watcher
Remember, we’re guests in the owls’ world. Keep your distance, never use flash photography, and if an owl seems disturbed by your presence, back away quietly. Never try to feed owls or get them to move for a better photo.
Local guides can be incredibly helpful. They know where different owl species tend to hang out and can teach you about the birds’ behaviors and habits. Plus, they can help you avoid disturbing nesting sites during breeding season.
Amazing Owl Facts
Did you know that owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees? That’s like being able to look over either shoulder without moving their bodies. Their eyes are actually fixed in their sockets, which is why they need such flexible necks.
Owls also have special feathers that make their flight nearly silent. The front edge of their wing feathers has tiny serrations, like a comb, that break up the air flow and eliminate the whooshing sound most birds make when they fly.
In Thai culture, owls have a special place. They’re often seen as symbols of wisdom, just like in Western cultures, but some Thai people also believe that hearing an owl’s call can be a sign of important news coming.
Give Birding for Owls at Night a Try!
Seeing an owl in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a serious birder or just curious about nature, Krabi’s owls offer an amazing window into the natural world. Just remember to be patient – sometimes the best sightings come when you least expect them.
Want to learn more? Consider joining a guided night tour. The more you learn about these amazing birds, the more fascinating they become!
Book a Birding Tour by boat in the mangroves close to Krabi Town
to see owls and 20-30+ other birds!
