Blakiston's Fish-Owl Bird Facts (Ketupa blakistoni)

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.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl can be found in Woodland habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl can be found in Wetland habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Blakiston's Fish-Owl is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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.

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

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

China Japan Russia

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Bird 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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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