This species is found in deciduous, semi-deciduous and open evergreen woodland as well as well-vegetated ravines, steep banks and canal sides, old plantations and groves with mature trees. It is almost always found near water. In the Middle East it occupies undisturbed wadis and valleys with trees and bushes in hilly areas. In China is uses streamside forest. It breeds between November and May in the Indian subcontinent and in Türkiye juveniles are seen from June to July (Mikkola and Willis 1983, Holt et al. 2016). The species is thought to pair for life. Nests are built in hollows or depressions in trees, rock ledges or steep stream banks, normally near water. Old raptor nests are sometimes used as well. Clutch size is typically two. Its diet is mainly fish, frogs and freshwater crabs. It will also eat crayfish, snakes and lizards and occasionally rodents and birds. It hunts from perches overlooking water from where it swoops down and seizes prey from the water. It will also wade after food. This species is resident (Holt et al. 2016).

Conservation Actions Underway
Bern Convention Appendix II. CITES Appendix II. Suggested it be named in Turkish as Yenger Baykuşu (Crab-owl) as opposed Balik Baykuşu (Fish-owl).

Conservation Actions Proposed
The areas where it resides should be protected from environmental changes such as logging and infrastructure development (van den Berg et al. 2010). Research into European population should continue. Local people could be educated on the rarity of this species and involved in its protection. To minimise disturbance to the small European population, controlled eco-tours should be developed and protected areas created where the species is found (van den Berg et al. 2010).