Pel's Fishing-owl
Scotopelia peli
Pel's Fishing-owl feeds on fish near African tropical forests and wetlands.
| Scientific name | Scotopelia peli |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Size | Male: approximately 1.3-1.5 kg; Female: approximately 1.3-1.5 kg |
How to identify
Large-bodied, wingspan up to 1.2 meters; distinct ear tufts on the head; plumage primarily brown with spots and stripes; large yellow eyes; strong legs adapted for catching fish.
Habitat
Tropical moist forests, riverbanks, swamps, and dense forests near water bodies.
Diet
Primarily piscivorous, also preys on amphibians and small aquatic animals; carnivorous.
When it is active
Nocturnal, mostly active at dusk and during the night.
Where it lives
Distributed across West and Central Africa, including Senegal, Ghana, the Congo Basin, and parts of Kenya.
How to spot it
Observe quietly at dusk or night along rivers or lakeshores, use red light flashlights to avoid disturbance.
Photography tips
Use telephoto lenses, increase ISO in low light conditions, employ tripod and remote shutter to reduce shake.
Threats
Habitat destruction, water pollution, disturbance from fishing activities.
Similar species
Other species of the genus Scotopelia, distinguished by body size and plumage pattern details.
You might also like
LC African Broad-billed Roller
Eurystomus glaucurus
LC African Fish Eagle
Haliaeetus vocifer
LC African Green Pigeon
Treron calvus
LC African Grey Hornbill
Lophoceros nasutus
LC African Harrier Hawk
Polyboroides typus
LC African Hawk Eagle
Aquila spilogaster
LC African Hoopoe
Upupa africana
LC African Jacana
Actophilornis africanus