The Rufous Fishing Owl is a medium-sized, elusive owl found in the rainforests of West Africa. It is a specialized aquatic predator, similar to Pel's Fishing Owl but smaller.
Where to spot
Lowland tropical rainforests, typically along rivers and streams, in West Africa (from Sierra Leone to Ghana).
How to spot
Listen for its deep, hooting calls, often a repeated 'whu-whu-whu'. Requires patience and access to specific undisturbed forest habitats near water sources.
When to spot
Nocturnal. Observations are rare; best chance is by listening for its calls at night, as it can be very difficult to spot visually.
Where to spot
Lowland tropical rainforests, typically along rivers and streams, in West Africa (from Sierra Leone to Ghana).
How to spot
Listen for its deep, hooting calls, often a repeated 'whu-whu-whu'. Requires patience and access to specific undisturbed forest habitats near water sources.
When to spot
Nocturnal. Observations are rare; best chance is by listening for its calls at night, as it can be very difficult to spot visually.
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This rare owl's ecology is not well-understood due to its secretive nature and dense rainforest habitat, making any observation or study of its behavior highly significant.
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