Pel’s Fishing Owl

Uncommon, localised resident. A very large, distinctive owl, differing from others in dark eyes, cinnamon underparts and rufous-brown upper parts. In repose, the head has a flattish appearance with the slightest suggestion of ear-tufts. When excited, the head feathers are fluffed out, giving the head a rounded appearance. Juvenile much paler than adult. Normal call is a deep, resonant ‘oogh’, the mate replying with a higher-pitched ‘ooh’; also utters various other hoots, grunts and screeches. Pairs or single birds occur along large, slow-flowing and well-forested rivers. Strictly nocturnal; spends the day perched in the dense foliage of a large tree or creeper. When flushed, flies a short distance and resettles in another tree, from where it watches the intruder. Fishes in quiet pools or slow-running waters from a low perch, dropping feet first onto prey.