Pel's Fishing Owl

Scotopelia peli

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Strigiformes · Strigidae

About

Pel's fishing owl is a large species of owl in the family Strigidae, found in Africa. It lives near rivers and lakes, and feeds nocturnally on fish and frogs snatched from the surface of lakes and rivers. The species prefers slow-moving rivers with large, overhanging trees to roost in and forage from. It nests in hollows and the forks of large trees. Even though two eggs are laid, often only one chick is raised.

Fun Fact

Pel's fishing owls are one of the largest owls in Africa and are among the very few owl species that hunt fish — they perch over rivers at night and snatch fish from the surface with their unfeathered toes.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Riverine forests and swamps

Diet

Piscivore

Lifespan

15-20 years

Threats

Habitat Fragmentation
Wildfire

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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