The buffy fish owl, also known as the Malay fish owl, is a fish owl in the family Strigidae. It is native to Southeast Asia and lives foremost in tropical forests and wetlands. Due to its wide distribution and assumed stable population, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Thai–Malay Peninsula through Singapore and across the Greater Sunda Islands, including Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. It occupies lowland tropical forests, peat swamps, mangroves, riverine gallery forests, and wooded edges near lakes, reservoirs, and rice paddies. The species stays close to freshwater or brackish habitats and favors areas with open banks or perches for hunting. It tolerates modified landscapes if water and tree cover remain. It generally avoids high mountains and extensive closed-canopy forest far from water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large owl specializes in hunting around water and is often seen perched over streams or fish ponds. Unlike many owls, it has largely unfeathered, yellowish legs and rough toe pads that help grasp slippery fish and crabs. Its long, ragged ear tufts and bright yellow eyes make it easy to recognize at night. It is sometimes called the Malay fish owl and remains fairly common across much of its range.
Male buffy fish-owl
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, powerful flights with deep wingbeats; low over water
Social Behavior
Usually encountered alone or in pairs maintaining linear territories along waterways. Pairs are monogamous and nest in large tree cavities, forks, or occasionally on old stick nests or ledges. They roost in dense foliage by day and become active around dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include deep, resonant hoots given singly or in rhythmic sequences, often as duets between pair members. Also emits harsh screeches and barks when alarmed or during territorial disputes.
Plumage
Rich buff to rufous-brown overall with heavy dark streaking on the underparts and mottled upperparts; facial disc poorly defined.
Diet
Primarily takes fish, crabs, and other crustaceans, along with frogs, reptiles, and small mammals. It may also seize large aquatic insects and occasionally small birds. Prey is usually snatched from the water surface or shallows with the feet, sometimes after brief wading. Hunting relies on still perches and acute hearing and vision in low light.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forested streams, ponds, and mangroves, as well as irrigation canals and fish ponds near woodland. Often selects open banks or exposed perches that provide clear views of the water.
