What kind of bird is Blakiston’s Fish Owl? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This bird is a member of the owl family that lives mainly in Japan, but can also be seen in parts of China and the Korean Peninsula. However, this species is actually designated as an endangered species, suggesting the possibility of extinction.
What is Blakiston’s Fish Owl? About basic status
The cheetah is a bird that belongs to the genus Bubo and the family Strigidae. It is one of the largest owls in Japan, with a total length of 66-69cm and a wingspan of 180cm. Its Japanese name is Shima-fukuro (island owl), and its scientific name is Bubo blakistoni. The information is as follows. Its body is more distinctive than its feathers. Its plump body is its characteristic.
| Japanese（和名） | シマフクロウ |
| English（英名） | Blakiston’s Fish-owl |
| scientific name(学名) | Bubo blakistoni |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Strigiformes、 Strigidae、Buho 鳥綱、フクロウ目、フクロウ科、ワシミミズク属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 66 – 69cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3 – 4kg |
About classification
The Blakiston’s Fish Owl is a type of owl. There are the following subspecies. We will investigate and introduce the major representative species. In the wild, both males and females are animals that behave individually.
Bubo blakistoni blakistoni
Bubo blakistoni blakistoni is an owl that lives from Hokkaido in Japan to the Kuril Islands. There have been no records of this species on Sakhalin since 1974, suggesting that it may already be extinct.
Bubo blakistoni doerriesi
Bubo blakistoni doerriesi is a member of the owl family that can be seen from China to Mongolia and even the Korean Peninsula. It may also live in southeastern Russia.
Where is its habitat?
As explained above, Blakiston’s Blakiston’s Fish Owl can be seen mainly in Hokkaido, Japan, but also in the Korean Peninsula, China, and Russia. It is distributed in natural places such as forests.
- Habitat in Japan
Main Area: Eastern Hokkaido, especially the Kushiro Wetlands and the Shiretoko Peninsula
Habitat:
Requires virgin forests and large natural forests
A rich habitat for nesting and hunting, with many standing trees.
Hunting grounds are often along rivers and around wetlands.
- Distribution in Russia and Northeast Asia
Also found in the Russian Far East (Sakhalin and Primorsky Krai)
Breeds in broadleaf and mixed forests, preferring deep forests.
- Habitat Characteristics
Since it cannot survive when forests are cleared, it is severely affected by deforestation and development.
It primarily hunts small mammals (such as mice and rabbits) and small birds, so biodiversity in hunting grounds is also essential.
- Conservation Status
Designated as a Special Natural Monument and Endangered Species (EN) in Japan.
Very small populations exist, with isolated populations in each region.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The Blakiston’s Blakiston’s fish owl is characterized by its long, wide, ear-shaped feathers on its head. It is also easily recognizable as it is one of the largest owls that can be seen in Japan. The plumage of the whole body is gray-brown, with black-brown vertical stripes and thin horizontal stripes, making it relatively easy to identify. Its main habitat is deciduous forests and it is nocturnal. They also tend to be sedentary rather than migratory birds.
- Body Size and Appearance
Total Length: Approximately 60-72cm
Wingspan: Approximately 150-178cm
Weight: Males approximately 2.2-2.5kg; females are slightly larger at 2.5-3kg
Plumage:
Back and wings are dark brown
Chest and belly are light brown with dark spots
Facial disc is rounded, with dark edges around the eyes
Eyes: Large, dark pupils allow them to easily see prey even in the dark
- Behavior and Personality
Nocturnal rather than diurnal (primarily active at night)
Shy and cautious, they are sensitive to human presence
Perches high in forest trees and closely monitors the movements of their prey
Call is a low, resonant “hoot” used to mark territory and during breeding season
- Diet/Hunting
Main Prey: Mice, rabbits, squirrels, small birds
Hunts at night, approaching prey silently by flying silently.
As a large owl, it can prey on relatively large prey.
- Other Characteristics
The largest owl species living in Japan.
Nests in large trees deep in forests and cannot breed without natural forests.
A very rare and endangered species with a small population.
What is the ecology like?
Blakiston’s Blakiston’s fish owl mainly eats small animals as its staple food. Other fish are often found feeding mainly in shallow waters. They nest and live mainly in tree cavities, large trees, and rock ledges on cliffs. They lay one or two eggs in February or March, and the female takes care of them. Their lifespan is said to be around 30 to 40 years.
- Life Rhythm
Nocturnal: They are primarily active and hunt at night.
During the day, they quietly perch on trees or branches to rest.
They are highly territorial, with each individual having its own range of activity.
- Diet/Hunting
Main Prey:
Small to medium-sized mammals (mice, rabbits, squirrels)
Small birds
Hunting Method:
Study prey from high up in trees or branches.
Quietly jump down to capture prey.
Large individuals can also capture relatively large prey.
- Breeding
Breeding Season: Winter to Spring (usually December to April)
Nest Building:
Nests are built in hollows or on branches of large trees.
Prefer areas with deep forests and old trees.
Egg Laying: Usually 2-3 eggs.
Brooding:
Females are responsible for incubation and raising the eggs.
They begin preparing to leave the nest at about one month old.
Both parents hunt and feed the chicks.
- Sociality
Generally solitary
Rarely interacts with other individuals outside of breeding season
Highly territorial, they mark their territory through vocalizations and markings
- Habitat Relationship
Requires deep areas in virgin forests or natural forests
Large, old trees provide nesting and resting spaces
Habitat destruction makes hunting and breeding difficult
Are there any natural enemies?
Crows are the natural enemies of fish owls. In others, they are still human. Environmental destruction is the biggest risk.
About Blakiston’s Fish Owl Chicks
By analyzing Blakiston’s Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni) chicks, we can understand their developmental stages, behavior, and relationship with their parents from hatching to fledging.
- Birth and Nest
Nesting Location: Tree hollows or on the branches of tall trees
Number of Eggs Laid: Usually 2-3
Egg Size: Approximately 6-7cm
Incubation Period: Chicks hatch in approximately 30 days
- Young Bird Characteristics
Weight: Approximately 70-100g at hatching
Feathers: Soft, grayish-white to light brown down
Vision and Hearing: Sensitive from birth, responding to their parents’ calls and movements
Behavior:
Initially, they stay still in the nest
They wait safely in the nest while the mother hunts
- Growth Stages
Months: Behavior and Growth: 0-1 month: Eggs hatch. The mother incubates and feeds them. They barely move yet, and their feathers are downy. 1-2 months: The feathers become firmer. They play with their siblings and begin to practice movement and flight. 2-3 months: They practice flying around the nest with their parents. They get food and pretend to hunt. 3-4 months: They start to leave the nest. Their flying ability improves, and they continue to practice in preparation for independence. 4-5 months: They have fully left the nest. They gradually become independent from their parents and begin to act.
Is the fish owl an endangered species?
Unfortunately, Blakiston’s Fish Owl is an endangered species and is listed on the Red List. Furthermore, it is listed in Appendix II of the Washington Convention, and international trade is strictly restricted. Of course, the biggest threat is humans, and their population is decreasing due to the following reasons: It is estimated that there are only a few thousand individuals.
habitat destruction
Habitat destruction by humans is the biggest threat. Due to a wide variety of causes of death, including water pollution, competition with fishing industries, and traffic accidents, owls are losing their homes year after year. Furthermore, there are areas where they are consumed as food, and hunting is also a problem. It was designated as a national natural monument by the Japanese government’s Ministry of the Environment in 1971, and as a rare wild animal species in 1993. Currently, conservation activities and support have begun as a business. Research business plans are also progressing.
Can Blakiston’s Fish Owl be bred?
Unfortunately, the Blakiston’s Blakiston’s fish owl is designated as an endangered species, so it cannot be kept in captivity due to its small population. Let’s enjoy it at the zoo.
- Legal Issues
In Japan, Blakiston’s Fish Owls are designated as a Special Natural Monument/Endangered Species, and capture and breeding without permission is prohibited.
Special permission from the Ministry of the Environment is required for breeding and research.
Violations are subject to penalties and criminal prosecution.
- Difficulties in Breeding
Requires ample flight space: Blakiston’s Fish Owls are nocturnal and hunt for food, so they experience significant stress in small cages or huts.
Difficulty in securing food: Natural prey, such as small mammals and birds, must be secured daily.
Nocturnal and timid:
Sensitive to humans and noise, they are prone to becoming ill from excessive stress.
Difficulty in breeding: They require tree hollows and tall trees for nesting, making it extremely difficult to recreate their natural environment.
- Where Breeding is Possible
Breeding is permitted only in specialized facilities such as zoos and research facilities.
Facilities provide ample flight cages, nesting environments similar to their natural habitat, and specialized breeding and management systems.
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