Scotopelia peli
The Pel's Fishing Owl (*Scotopelia peli*) is a magnificent and elusive avian predator, renowned for its specialized diet and striking appearance. This large owl typically measures 51-63 cm (20-25 inches) in length with an impressive wingspan of 150-153 cm (59-60 inches) and can weigh up to 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs), with females generally larger than males. Its plumage is a rich, rufous-chestnut color, finely barred with black on the upperparts, creating an effective camouflage in the dappled light of...
Found exclusively in dense riverine forests, riparian woodlands, and areas with lush vegetation along slow-moving rivers, lakes, and lagoons, typically at low to mid-elevations.
Almost exclusively fish, particularly tilapia and catfish, supplemented occasionally with frogs, crabs, and large insects, caught by snatching from the water surface.
Pel's Fishing Owls are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, spending daylight hours roosting motionless in the dense canopy of large trees overhanging water. Their foraging strategy is a classic 'sit-and-wait' approach, perching on a branch above the water and swooping down with powerful, silent ...
The Pel's Fishing Owl has a wide but disjunct distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, typically associated with major river systems and large bodies of water. Its breeding range extends from Senegal and Gambia in West Africa, eastward through Central Africa to Ethiopia, and then southward through...
Least Concern
- The Pel's Fishing Owl is one of the largest and most specialized owls in Africa, a true apex predator of the riverine environment. - Unlike most owls, its legs and toes are completely unfeathered, a unique adaptation that prevents waterlogging and aids in fishing. - The soles of its feet are co...