Scotopelia – Fishing owls

The genus Scotopelia, commonly known as fishing owls, is a small but fascinating group of African owls that have evolved a unique lifestyle centered around rivers, lakes, and wetland habitats. Unlike most owls that hunt rodents or insects in dry, wooded areas, fishing owls have taken to a semi-aquatic way of life, specializing in catching fish, frogs, and other water-dwelling prey. Their nocturnal, water-focused behavior and rare sightings make them some of Africa’s most mysterious birds of prey.

These owls are large, powerful, and adapted for a life near water. They have dense, downy plumage that muffles the sound of their flight, typical of owls, but their feathers are less water-repellent, which is unusual for birds that hunt near water. Their legs and feet are often bare or sparsely feathered, helping them to grip slippery prey. Unlike most owls, their feet lack sharp talons, instead having rough, spiny surfaces that provide traction for grabbing fish.

The most famous of the three, Pel’s fishing owl has rich orange-brown plumage with fine dark barring and a large, rounded head. These owls are mostly silent, though they can give deep, booming hoots that echo over the water at night. They are solitary, territorial, and highly dependent on large trees along permanent water bodies, where they roost by day and hunt by night.

Fishing owls perch silently on branches overhanging water, waiting patiently for the right moment to strike. They use their excellent vision and hearing to detect the splash or movement of a fish, then swoop down with strong wings to snatch it from the surface. They also hunt frogs, crustaceans, and occasionally insects or small reptiles. Unlike other owls that may scan fields or forests, these birds are hyper-focused on aquatic zones, making them very sensitive to changes in wetland health.