Vermiculated Fishing-Owl
NameVermiculated Fishing-Owl
Common NameVermiculated Fishing-Owl
Scientific NameScotopelia bouvieri
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)100
Length (cm)48
Weight (g)670
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are rufous-brown with dense dark brown vermiculations and streaks. Underparts are paler, buffy-white with prominent dark brown streaking. The facial disc is indistinct and pale brown, and the eyes are dark. The bill is pale yellow, and the legs are unfeathered.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a deep, booming hoot, often a series of "hoo-hoo-hoo" notes, and sometimes a higher-pitched "whu-whu-whu" or "kwa-kwa-kwa".
Primary Dietpiscivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West and Central Africa, specifically in countries such as Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
Identifying Featuresdark eyes, pale yellow bill, unfeathered legs, heavily streaked brown and buff plumage, aquatic habitat preference, nocturnal
Description
This medium-sized owl is characterized by its dark eyes, pale yellow bill, and heavily streaked brown and buff plumage. It is a nocturnal hunter, primarily preying on fish and other aquatic animals in forested wetland habitats.
