Blakiston's fish owl (Bubo blakistoni)
Blakiston's Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni)
Size: 75 cm
Weight: 2.5 - 5 kg
Diet: Fish
Season: Year-round
Observation Tip: Northeastern China, Russia, and Japan
Photography Tips
Lens: 600 mm or longer
Difficulty Level: Hard
The Blakiston's fish owl, also known as Bubo blakistoni, is one of the world's largest owl species. This impressive owl is capable of catching fish and is specialized for living in aquatic environments.
It has a striking appearance, with a large, round head, a yellow beak, and yellow eyes. Its plumage is brown and white striped, which helps it blend into its surroundings. The wingspan can reach up to 2.5 meters, and its body length can be up to 75 cm. Male Blakiston's fish owls typically weigh between 2.5 and 4 kilograms, while females are often slightly heavier, weighing between 3 and 5 kilograms.
The Blakiston's fish owl inhabits certain areas in northeastern China, Russia, and Japan. It prefers rivers, lakes, and wetlands as its habitat. It is a predatory bird, nocturnal in nature, and feeds on fish, crabs, and amphibians. It usually hunts from a perch, waiting to ambush its prey.
Blakiston's fish owls are an endangered species because their habitats are threatened by human activities such as river regulation and overfishing. They are protected, and efforts are being made to preserve their habitat and stabilize their populations. They are listed as endangered on the Red List.