It is the sixth longest owl in the world on average and has the ninth longest wings of any living owl. This owl is noted for its strange, human-sounding call, and it has been suggested that it is the same as the cryptid known as ulama or "Devil Bird" in Sri Lanka. A local name is Maha Bakamuna ("large horned owl"). They've been seen feeding on the carcases of goats and tigers.

The nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders. 3–4 eggs are laid in a ground scrape. Eggs are cream with brown speckles. In winter, it forms huge flocks on open land, particularly arable land and mud-flats.

It is known for its ability to make intricate nests by punching holes in the edges of a leaf and sewing these leaves with holes together with spider silk or plant fibers. Egg robbers include snakes, lizards, mongooses, and numerous predatory birds.

It is seen in evergreen forests and scrublands in predominantly hilly or mountainous countries. lts livespan is estimated upto 25-30 years.

They nest in beaver's dams and nests of golden eagles. One nest of these birds was found in a walrus skull. The color of the eggs is cream with a light blue-green tint and red-brown spots.

The eggs are pale bluish-white or pinkish ground colour with speckles and blotches towards the broad end. Bats have been noted to prey on them.

The lifespan of this bird is 6-35 years. They are monogamous. After the hatching of eggs, the young are fed crop milk. The young one is called a squeaker or a squab. They can find their nest after flying for long distances. It's a spiritual bird that symbolizes love and sacrifice

The lifespan of a northern shoveler bird is 18 years in the wild. Eggs are generally white and olive-colored. The speed at which it can fly is 65.7 kmph. These birds also migrate long distances during winters.