Bird Overview
Pel’s Fishing Owls are among the largest owls in the world. They can reach up to 63cm (25 inches) and weigh as much as 2,35 kg (5.2 lbs). The Pel’s Fishing Owl is the heaviest of all owls in Africa, and it ranks second in mass only behind some horned (Bubo) owls.
The species is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, but it is rare and localised. It is absent from the arid areas. The range of this species includes Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia. It also extends to the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia.
The Pel’s Fishing Owls live in riverine forests, near lakes and other areas where they have adapted well to an aquatic life. They eat mainly fish and frogs. They hunt them at night, grabbing prey off the surface of the water.
Bird Group:
Identification
This massive owl has a round head and a rich, ginger-rufous plumage that is intricately marked by dusky spots, bars, and chevrons. Its habitat, a riverine forest, allows it to blend in well. This shy bird spends its day in dense, large trees that are near rivers or swamps. The bird is elusive due to its preference for aquatic, secluded environments.
It comes alive at night with a deep, resonant horn-like cry: a low, “Ooom”, which can travel far through the still air. Grunting sounds usually accompany this. The distinctive high-pitched “wheeeuuu” screeches from juvenile birds contribute to the eerie soundscape of nocturnal sounds.
The two other African fishing owls are often mistaken for this bird. While similar in colour to the Rufous Fishing OWL, it is smaller and brighter and does not have the distinctive bars or chevrons along the underparts. Vermiculated fishing owls can be distinguished by their pale yellow bills and heavily streaked upper chest, as opposed to the Pel.
The adaptations of this species to water life are amazing. Its feet and legs are featherless to reduce drag while hunting for fish and amphibians on the surface of the water. And its dense plumage makes it water-resistant.
Songs & Calls
The Pel’s Fishing Owl is a vocalist with a wide range of distinctive sounds, which are crucial to its communication in dense riverine habitats. The male adult’s primary sound is a deep, resonant boom. It can be heard far away in the still air at night. This song starts with a loud hoot and is followed by a grunt that can be described as ‘whoommmmwot.’ It is amazing to note that this call, when heard in calm conditions, can reach up to three kilometres away. This song is usually delivered by the male with his throat and upper breast feathers inflated to enhance the sound. The phrases are roughly spaced apart by ten seconds, creating a rhythmic pattern which echoes throughout its territory.
The female call is similar, but higher in pitch. It also has a double note near the end. This helps pairs recognise each other. These duets strengthen pair bonds and indicate territory ownership to the other owls.
During the breeding season, vocal activity increases. Both the male and the female will give sharp, penetrating shrieks as part of their defensive display if a threat approaches the nest. The owls may also use distraction tactics, like feigning injuries, to distract predators from the eggs or chicks. When begging for food, juvenile Pel’s Fishing Owls make a high-pitched screeching call that is often transcribable as “wheeeuuuuuuuuuu”.
In addition to these primary vocalisations, the species is also capable of producing a variety of softer grunts and croaks that are used for communication between pairs or during courtship.
Location
The Pel’s Fishing Owl can be found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, but it is a rare bird. The Pel’s Fishing Owl is not found in arid areas and only occurs in West Africa in places like Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia. Its range in Central Africa extends from the coastal forest through the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire, and intermittently into South Sudan and Somalia. In the south, suitable habitats are found in Zimbabwe, Botswana and eastern South Africa. Its population are not evenly distributed despite its wide range. This is due to its dependency on riverine habitats.
The Pel’s Fishing Owl lives in pairs that maintain territories all year round. Although juveniles and non-breeding birds may roam before establishing their territories, adults will sometimes leave their territories to search for food when prey becomes scarce.
Habitat
Pel’s fishing owl primarily inhabits dense riverine forests and woodlands, which are closely associated with permanent water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and swamps. The habitats are rich in large trees for day-roosting or nesting, as well as a variety of aquatic prey. This species prefers slow-moving water with overhanging foliage, backwaters and swamps that are forested, as well as stagnant waters.
Pel’s Fishing Owl can be found in semi-arid areas, even though it prefers humid climates. This is provided that there are well-established, mature trees near a reliable source of water. The large trees provide cover during the day for the owl, which is a secretive and shy species. They also serve as nesting areas. This species prefers to avoid open savannahs and areas away from water because of its highly specialised adaptations.
The Pel’s fishing owl is often regarded as an indicator of a healthy riverine ecosystem, since it needs relatively undisturbed environments with minimal human interference and a constant supply of fish and amphibians. According to Audubon Society, this species is well documented.
Behaviour
Pel’s Fishing Owls are highly skilled nocturnal hunters. They feed primarily on small fish, weighing 100-200 grams. However, they can also take larger prey, up to two kilograms, if the situation arises. The Pel’s Fishing Owl also eats frogs and mussels. It is a very flexible hunter when there are few fish. According to RSPB, this species is well documented.
The owl’s hunting style is adapted to the habitat of its riverine habitat. It hunts from low perches, usually branches overhanging slow-moving lakes, rivers or swamps, where it is alert and remains still, scanning the surface of the water for any telltale ripples or movement below. It launches into a smooth glide with its wings slightly arched and extends its talons to grab the fish. The fish then returns to its perch and consumes the catch. It usually swallows smaller prey whole, while dismembering bigger fish.
Although this species is well adapted to hunting prey from the surface, it is rare for them to dive into deep water. Although sometimes, the Pel’s Fishing Owl will dive into shallow water to hunt larger or more elusive animals. The Pel’s Fishing Owl can also be seen flying low above water, similar to African Fish Eagles. This is done to scan for fish at the surface. It will even wade in shallow water near sandbanks and muddy edges, using its long legs to catch prey.
Its flight isn’t completely silent, unlike many other owls. This adaptation may be because its aquatic prey are more sensitive to noise than terrestrial animals. It is a deliberate and patient hunter who often waits for long periods before striking, reflecting its size and the unpredictable movements of fish.
Feeding
The Pel’s Fishing Owl, as its name implies, is a fish-eating specialist and relies heavily on aquatic prey to maintain its size. It hunts primarily at night using its excellent hearing and keen eyesight to detect movements at the surface of the water. It can catch fish up to 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) with its unfeathered, powerful talons. However, such large catches of fish are rare. Its prey is usually smaller fish, in the 100-500g range. These are easier to handle.
The owl does not eat only fish. It will eat a variety of alternative prey when fish are scarce or the conditions require dietary flexibility. The opportunistic diet of the Pel’s Fishing Owl can include frogs and freshwater crabs as well as aquatic insects, mussels, and even young crocodiles. This versatility allows Pel’s Fishing Owls to survive in river systems that fluctuate with seasonal changes.
It does not use silent flight, unlike many other owls. Fish and amphibians have a lower sensitivity to sound. It uses precision and patience to swoop down from its perch or grab prey from the edge of the water.
Breeding
The Pel’s fishing owls are monogamous. They form long-term pairs and maintain large territories along rivers, lakes and other waterways that serve as nesting and food sites. The territories are aggressively defended by vocal duets and even physical displays during the breeding season.
Breeding occurs during the dry season when water levels drop and fishing is easier. This ensures a steady food supply to raise young. Nesting sites tend to be large tree cavities or hollows of mature trees on riverbanks. They may also nest in old stick nests made by other large birds, or on the ground under exceptionally large tree roots when cavities are not available.
The female usually lays one or two eggs. However, only one chick will survive to fledgling. The female incubates eggs for about 32 days, while the male brings food to the nest. This includes freshly caught fish. The female broods and feeds the chick for several weeks after hatching until it can regulate its body temperature.
The development of Pel’s fishing owl chicks is slower than that of many other owls. The emergence of the young is delayed, taking between 6 and 9 months. This reflects the species’ commitment to raising one offspring. Even after fledging, the young bird can remain dependent on its parents for many more months. They often stay in the same territory as their parents until the next breeding season.
The slow reproduction rate and the fact that they nest in large trees make them susceptible to habitat destruction during the breeding season.
Conservation
IUCN has classified the Pel’s fishing owl as Less Concern worldwide, and populations are considered stable in most of its range. The species is sensitive to environmental changes and habitat destruction. Deforestation on riverbanks reduces the number of large trees that are needed to nest and roost, and damming or diverting water disrupts river flow. This can also flood important hunting grounds.
The pollution of water from mining, industrial runoff, and agriculture reduces fish populations, which are the primary food source for owls. Human overfishing in some areas further reduces the availability of prey. It is still widespread but localised declines are being recorded, particularly in southern Africa, where the small and fragmented populations have led to it being classified as Endangered. Conservation efforts include monitoring population, protecting riparian forest, and engaging with local communities to maintain riverine habitats, which are vital for the owl’s long-term existence.
Risks / Threats
The Pel’s Fishing Owl is heavily dependent on healthy riverine ecologies. Degradation of these habitats is the biggest threat to its survival. The pollution of water from mining, industrial waste, agricultural runoff and other sources can reduce the fish population and poison aquatic life, affecting the food supply for owls. Deforestation, poor land management and siltation reduce water quality and disturb fish spawning areas. This further decreases the availability of prey.
The damming of rivers can alter the natural flow of water, flood forests where owls nest and roost, and create barriers that hinder fish movement. Humans also overfish the owl’s primary food source in areas with intensive subsistence and commercial fisheries.
To protect this species, it is important to maintain water quality and ensure sustainable fisheries. It is often seen as a sign of a healthy aquatic ecosystem, which highlights its ecological importance.
More Owl Information
- Owl Information
- Index of Owl Species with Pictures
- Owl Eyes / Vision Adaptations
- Pygmy Owls
- Barn Owls
- Horned Owls
- Scops Owls
