About the Rufous Fishing Owl
The rufous fishing owl, also known as the rufous-backed fishing-owl or Ussher's fishing owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to west Africa, where it is a highly localised resident along forest rivers.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The rufous fishing owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 in) in length. This is substantially smaller than the Pel's fishing owl, which also occurs in the region. It lacks ear tufts and has an indistinct, pale cinnamon facial disc. The underparts are pale and are finely streaked due to the dark shafts of the majority of the feathers. The flanks may have a more rufous patch. The adults have barred flight feathers, with the upperparts of the wings (mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts) showing a mixture of rufous, creamy-buff and white.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Rufous Fishing Owl lives
When to see the Rufous Fishing Owl
Peak activity in January · a winter visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
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