Blakiston's fish owl, the largest living species of owl, is a fish owl, a sub-group of eagle-owls that specialize in hunting in riparian areas. It is native to China, Japan, and the Russian Far East. This species is a part of the family known as typical owls (Strigidae), which contains most species of owl. Blakiston's fish owl and three other piscivorous owls are placed with some eagle-owls in the genus Ketupa. Its habitat is riparian forest with large, old trees for nest sites near lakes, rivers, springs, and shoals that do not freeze in winter. Henry Seebohm named this bird after the English naturalist Thomas Blakiston, who collected the original specimen in Hakodate on Hokkaidō, Japan in 1883.
Region
Northeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Russian Far East (Primorye, Khabarovsk, Sakhalin), northeastern China, and northern Japan (Hokkaidō and adjacent islands). It is closely tied to wide river valleys, floodplain forests, and lakeshores with mature trees. The species selects areas with open water in winter, including springs and riffles that resist freezing. Territories are extensive and typically centered on productive salmonid streams.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Blakiston's fish owl is the largest living owl, specialized for life along cold northern rivers where it hunts fish and amphibians. It depends on old-growth riparian forest with massive trees that provide nest cavities and perches overlooking unfrozen riffles. Its deep, resonant duet carries far along river valleys, especially in late winter. Logging, river alteration, and overfishing are the principal threats to its survival.
Illustration by J. G. Keulemans
Blakiston's fish owls are amongst the most aquatically-based owls in the world.
A Blakiston's fish owl hunting during winter.
A Blakiston's fish owl flies off with a fish
A pair of adult Blakiston's fish owls, possibly a mated pair.
A stuffed Blakiston's fish owl at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
powerful but heavy, with slow deep wingbeats and short purposeful flights along waterways
Social Behavior
Monogamous pairs hold large, linear territories along rivers and lakeshores. Nests are usually in large tree cavities, broken-topped snags, or occasionally old stick nests of other raptors. Clutches are small (often one egg), and young receive prolonged parental care. Adults roost discreetly near water and are most active around the territory core.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A deep, booming series of hoots often given as a synchronized duet, with the male lower-pitched than the female. Calls carry long distances along valleys and are most frequent in the breeding season and on cold, clear nights.
Plumage
Loose, shaggy plumage that appears heavily streaked, with long, ragged ear tufts and a broad, pale facial disk.
Diet
Primarily piscivorous, taking salmonids, pike, catfish, and other fish captured at shallow riffles and pools. Also consumes amphibians such as frogs, crustaceans like crayfish, and occasionally small mammals and waterbirds. Hunts by waiting on low perches, wading, or striking from rocks and sandbars. Relies on sound and sight to locate prey in dim light and open water.
Preferred Environment
Edges of unfrozen streams, springs, and lakes with good visibility and shallow margins. Frequently uses overhanging branches, boulders, and fallen logs as ambush points near productive riffles.
