Blakiston’s Fish Owl

The Blakiston’s fish owl, Bubo blakistoni, is believed to be the largest species of Owl in the world. Although many people think the Eurasian Eagle Owl is the largest, recent studies have shown that on average, the Blakiston’s fish owl is slightly bigger. Blakiston’s fish owls are 24-30 inches long and have a remarkable wingspan of 55-81 inches.

The head of the Blakiston’s fish owl is relatively narrow when compared to the body, but the top of the head appears to get wider due to the ear tufts; this gives the bird a strange appearance.

This owl belongs to the owl family ‘Strigidae’ which consists of all the ‘true’ or ‘typical’ owls.

Blakiston’s fish owls get their name from the fact that they feed off aquatic creatures such as small amphibians and fish. They also hunt small mammals and birds, although the biggest bird would be around the size of a Hazel Grouse.

In general females are round about 25% larger than the males as it is the females who will most likely be guarding the young and so ‘dealing’ with any predators.

In terms of appearance this owl is very similar to the Eurasian Eagle Owl, but (the Blakiston’s fish owl) is paler in colour, slightly more broader, and has more ragged ear tufts. The feathers of this fish owl are a buff-brown colour with heavy streak patterns. The underparts are generally lighter in colour, a paler buff-brown, and less heavily streaked. They have a white throat. Their eyes are fairly round and are yellow in colour. This is different to the Eurasian Eagle Owl who has orange irises.

The IUCN status for this wonderful owl is ‘endangered’. This is due to habitat loss, not only for the owl but also for it’s prey.

The first specimen of this owl was believed to be discovered by Thomas Blakiston in 1883 in Japan. Consequently Henry Seebohm named the owl after the English naturalist Blakiston.