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.
Region
Upper Guinea (West Africa)
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from Sierra Leone through Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire to southwestern Ghana, confined to the Upper Guinean lowland rainforests. It is tied to undisturbed, rocky or sandy-bottomed forest rivers and shaded streams with overhanging vegetation. The owl typically uses quiet pools and riffles where fish and freshwater crabs are abundant. It avoids highly disturbed or open waterways and is seldom found far from dense primary or old secondary forest.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This elusive, river-specialist owl hunts fish, crabs, and frogs by swooping from overhanging branches along shaded forest streams. It is highly sensitive to disturbance and requires clear, undammed waterways within intact lowland rainforest. Pairs often duet at dusk and night, and the species is more often detected by voice than seen. Its largely bare, rough-scaled legs help it grasp slippery aquatic prey.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, silent flights low over water with buoyant wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs along a defended river stretch. Nests near water, using tree cavities or occasionally old stick platforms, typically laying a small clutch. Pairs maintain long-term territories and communicate with duets at dusk and during the night.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of deep, resonant hoots and booming notes, often given as a male–female duet that carries far along rivers. Calls are most frequent at dusk and before dawn. Soft grunts and growls may be given at close range.
