Pel's Fishing Owl

The Pel's fishing owl (Scotopelia peli) is a majestic avian predator, ranking among the largest of owl species globally. With a robust build, this owl exhibits a rich ginger-rufous plumage, barred and scaled patterns across its upper and underparts, and a distinctive shaggy head. The species is well-adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, with less feathering on the toes and tarsi to minimize water absorption during fishing. The eyes are a deep, often blackish hue, contributing to its penetrating gaze.

Identification Tips

Adult Pel's fishing owls can be identified by their size, spanning 51–63 cm in length with a wingspan of approximately 153 cm. They weigh up to 2.35 kg, making them one of the heaviest owl species. Their unfeathered, straw-colored tarsi and toes, along with the white throat (which may be puffed up during courtship displays), are key identification features. The sexes appear similar, though females may exhibit less rufous coloring and a more indistinct facial disc.

Habitat

This species thrives in riverine forests, swamps, and estuaries, from sea level to elevations of around 1,700 meters. They favor areas with large, overhanging trees along slow-moving rivers or lakes, which provide optimal roosting and foraging opportunities.

Distribution

Pel's fishing owls are found across sub-Saharan Africa, with their presence ranging from local and uncommon to quite common, depending on the suitability of the habitat. They are absent from arid regions and exhibit a patchy distribution in countries like Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.

Behaviour

Nocturnal by nature, Pel's fishing owls are most active on moonlit nights, particularly near dawn. They may also be seen during the day, especially when prey is scarce. Typically, they roost on large tree branches during the day and perch over water at dusk to hunt.

Song & Calls

The male's call is a deep, sonorous boom, audible up to 3 km away, often accompanied by a higher-pitched hoot followed by a soft grunt. The female's song is similar but higher in pitch. When anticipating food, females and young emit a shrill wheeoouu.

Breeding

Pel's fishing owls are monogamous and territorial, nesting in tree hollows or cavities during the dry season. They lay one to two eggs, with the female incubating for around 32 days. Often, only one chick is raised to fledging, which occurs after 6 to 9 months.

Similar Species

The two related fishing owls are smaller and lack the dark barring and scaling present in Pel's fishing owl.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of fish, with the occasional frog, crab, mussel, or large insect. They are adept at catching fish close to the water's surface, using their powerful talons to snatch prey without fully submerging themselves.

Conservation Status

The IUCN classifies Pel's fishing owl as Least Concern, with stable populations. However, they are sensitive to habitat destruction, such as damming, deforestation, and water pollution, which can impact their food supply and nesting sites.