Vermiculated fishing owl
The vermiculated fishing owl is a large, earless owl found in riverine forests across tropical west-central Africa. Distinctive for its cinnamon-brown plumage finely marked with dark vermiculations, it is a nocturnal hunter that primarily fishes from perches along rivers. The species is listed as 'least concern' due to its wide range and stable population.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to tropical west-central Africa, from southern Nigeria to South Sudan and northern Angola.
- ›Inhabits gallery forests along rivers at least 10 meters wide, as well as forest pools and flooded areas.
- ›A nocturnal predator, it fishes from perches, preying on fish, frogs, crustaceans, small mammals, and birds.
- ›Its plumage is cinnamon-brown with fine dark brown vermiculations, and pale whitish streaks across the shoulders.
- ›Breeding occurs from may to at least October, with young being slow to mature.
- ›Classified as 'least concern' by the IUCN due to its extensive range and stable population trend.
Bouvier's Fishing Owl
Riverine Forest, Gallery Forests Along Rivers, Pools and Flooded Areas In Forests, Forests
Southern Nigeria, Congolian Rainforests, South Sudan, Northern Angola, Tropical West-Central Africa
Fish, Frogs, Crustaceans, Small Mammals, Birds
About Vermiculated fishing owl
The vermiculated fishing owl (Scotopelia bouvieri) is a large, earless owl species native to the riverine forests of tropical west-central Africa. First described in 1875, this owl is characterized by its cinnamon-brown plumage marked with fine dark brown vermiculations and a distinctive pale streak across its shoulders.
Distribution and Habitat
This species is found across a wide area of tropical west-central Africa, spanning from southern Nigeria eastward to South Sudan and southward to northern Angola. Its preferred habitat consists of gallery forests along rivers that are at least 10 meters wide, as well as pools and flooded areas within forests. While it generally stays near water, it can sometimes be found in areas away from it.
Behavior and Diet
The vermiculated fishing owl is a nocturnal hunter, typically perching on low branches beside large rivers to snatch fish from the water. Its diet also includes frogs, crustaceans, small mammals, and birds, with crustaceans often forming the bulk of its food. During the day, it roosts in trees near rivers. Its vocalization is a notable low, croaking hoot followed by a series of staccato notes, and pairs frequently engage in duetting.
Breeding and Conservation
Breeding activities for the vermiculated fishing owl occur from May through at least October, and possibly later. Courtship involves significant vocal duetting. While much of its breeding biology is not fully detailed, it is presumed to be similar to that of the Pel's fishing owl, and its young are known to mature slowly. Due to its extensive range, estimated at over 3.3 million square kilometers, and a stable population trend, the vermiculated fishing owl is listed as a species of 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the vermiculated fishing owl?
The scientific name of the vermiculated fishing owl is Scotopelia bouvieri. It was formerly also known by the synonym Bubo bouvieri.
Where does the vermiculated fishing owl live?
This owl is found in tropical west-central Africa, with its range extending from southern Nigeria in the west to South Sudan in the east, and south to northern Angola. It specifically inhabits gallery forests along rivers.
What does the vermiculated fishing owl eat?
Its diet consists mainly of fish caught from riverbanks, but it also preys on frogs, crabs, small mammals, and birds. Crustaceans are often the most frequently consumed food.
What does the vermiculated fishing owl sound like?
The vermiculated fishing owl's vocalization is described as a low, croaking hoot, which is then followed by four to eight staccato notes. Pairs often sing in duet.
What is the conservation status of the vermiculated fishing owl?
The vermiculated fishing owl is listed as 'least concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This designation is due to its very wide geographic range and seemingly stable population trend.
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