Blakiston's Fish-Owl
EndangeredKetupa blakistoni
Visual Identification
Appearance
Blakiston's Fish-Owl is one of the world's largest owls (second only to the Eurasian Eagle-owl), with a massive, stocky build and prominent ear tufts that typically extend horizontally.
Its plumage is predominantly buff-brown, streaked and mottled with darker colours, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.
Females are notably larger than males, but both sexes share similar colouration. Juveniles can be distinguished by their whiter feather edges and spots, along with their bluish bill and toes, rather than the grey-horn colouring of adults.
Size
Length
60cm to 72cm
Wingspan
180cm to 190cm
Weight
3kg to 4.6kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown
Secondary Colour
Buff White
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blakiston's Fish-Owls inhabit riparian forests in northeastern Asia, including parts of Russia, China, and Japan. They are closely associated with old-growth forests near clean, fish-rich rivers and streams.
The species is non-migratory, maintaining year-round territories. In Japan, they are found on Hokkaido island, while in Russia, they occur in the Far East regions, including the Primorye and Khabarovsk territories.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 800 meters
Climate zones
Subarctic, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Blakiston's Fish-Owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Whilst not as agile as smaller owls, Blakiston's Fish-Owl demonstrates remarkable dexterity when hunting, particularly whilst wading in streams and catching fish with precise talon strikes. Their ability to manoeuvre through riparian forests and catch slippery prey showcases considerable agility for their size.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As the world's largest and heaviest owl species, these birds possess exceptional strength. Their ability to catch fish weighing up to 2kg (nearly half their body weight) and powerful talons equipped with specialised serrations demonstrate remarkable physical power.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Though highly specialised for fishing and requiring specific habitat conditions (old-growth forests near clean rivers), they show moderate adaptability in hunting techniques and can take various prey types including fish, amphibians, and small mammals. Their non-migratory nature and specific habitat requirements suggest limited overall adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Whilst not typically aggressive towards humans, these owls are formidable predators with strong territorial behaviour. They maintain year-round territories and demonstrate significant hunting prowess, though they tend to be shy and prefer avoiding confrontation when possible.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their ability to wade in cold streams whilst hunting, maintain year-round territories in harsh subarctic conditions, and their long lifespans (15-20 years) indicate excellent endurance. Their large size and robust build contribute to their impressive stamina, particularly during extended hunting sessions.
Diet
As their name suggests, Blakiston's Fish-Owls primarily feed on fish, including salmon and trout. They also consume amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals.
These owls hunt by perching near water bodies and swooping down to snatch prey from the surface or by wading into shallow water to catch fish with their talons.
Behaviour
This nocturnal hunter is primarily solitary, coming together only during the breeding season. Blakiston's Fish-Owls are known for their unique fishing technique, wading into shallow streams to catch prey with their powerful talons.
They are generally sedentary, maintaining year-round territories along riverbanks.
Vocalisation
Blakiston's Fish-Owls produce deep, resonant hooting calls that can be heard over long distances. Their vocalisations are often described as a series of low, booming 'boo-boo-boo' sounds.
During courtship, pairs engage in duet calling, with the male's voice typically lower in pitch than the female's.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding pairs of Blakiston's Fish-Owls form long-term, monogamous bonds. The breeding season typically begins in late winter to early spring, with courtship involving duet calling between mates.
Nests are usually located in large tree cavities near water bodies, often in old-growth trees. The female lays 1-2 white eggs, which are incubated primarily by her for about 35-37 days.
Both parents care for the young, which fledge after approximately 50-55 days but remain dependent on their parents for several months. Young owls may stay in their parent's territory for up to two years.
Lifespan
The Blakiston's Fish-Owl typically lives for 8 to 15 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Blakiston's Fish-Owl is classified as Endangered due to habitat loss, particularly the destruction of old-growth forests near rivers.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining habitats and raising awareness about the species' ecological importance. Artificial nest boxes have been used in some areas to support breeding populations.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near rivers and streams in old-growth forests
- Listen for their deep, resonant hooting calls at night
- Search for signs of activity, such as fish remains or large pellets near potential roosting sites
- Be patient and quiet; these owls are shy and easily disturbed
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Blakiston's Eagle-owl, Bubo blakistoni
Family:
StrigidaePredators
Adult Blakiston's Fish-Owls have few natural predators due to their large size. However, eggs and young may be vulnerable to martens, foxes, and other large birds of prey.
Did You Know?
- Blakiston's Fish-Owl is the second largest owl species in the world.
- They have specialised serrations on their foot pads to help grip slippery fish.
- These owls can catch fish weighing up to 2 kg, nearly half their own body weight.
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Community Experience
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References
- 2 3 4
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Bubo blakistoni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22689007A93214159.
View source - 1
book, 1999: Konig, C., B. Weick. A Guide to the Owls of the World.. New Haven: Yale University Press.