GAMBIA BIRD SPECIES

Pel’s Fishing Owl

Scotopelia peli

Overview

Pel’s Fishing Owl is one of Africa’s great nocturnal birds and one of the most desired sightings in The Gambia. Large, rufous and powerfully built, it is closely associated with undisturbed, fish-rich waterways.

Identification

This impressive owl is warm ginger-brown with darker barring and spotting, a rounded head and dark eyes. Unlike many owls, its legs and toes are adapted for taking slippery prey rather than being densely feathered.

Habitat and behaviour

It lives along wooded rivers, quiet channels and swampy forest where mature trees provide daytime roosts and nesting cavities. At night it watches from waterside perches and drops onto fish near the surface; frogs and other aquatic animals may also be taken.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

Possible areas include the river and creek systems of central and upriver Gambia. Boat access and knowledge of established territories can be important. Encounters are scarce and should be treated as a fortunate highlight rather than an expected result.

Field note

Listen for deep calls after dark and search roost trees without approaching closely. Lamin Jobaate can integrate a sensitive owl search into a longer Gambian birdwatching itinerary when local information and conditions are suitable.

Plan your birdwatching tour: Ask Lamin Jobaate about a private itinerary for this species and The Gambia’s other outstanding birds.