Pel's Fishing Owl

Scotopelia peli Bonaparte, 1850

Pel's Fishing Owl, Scotopelia peli, is an owl of sub-Saharan Africa, widespread south of the Sahara and tied to rivers, lakes, swamps and estuaries. It favours riverine forest with large trees, especially slow-moving water bordered by overhanging branches, and it roosts and hunts from such places. The species is nocturnal and takes fish from the water’s surface, with frogs and other aquatic animals also recorded. It nests in tree hollows and forks, and although two eggs are laid, usually only one chick is raised.

Order

Strigiformes

Family

Strigidae — Owls

Breeding range

Africa: widespread s of the Sahara