Population and Distribution
Blakiston's fish owls have a fragmented distribution in the Russian
Far East, northern Japan, and northeastern China. There are two
generally-recognized subspecies, an island subspecies, which occurs on
Hokkaido Island, Japan, and Kunashir and Shikotan Islands of the
southern Kuril Islands, Russia, and a more broadly-distributed mainland
subspecies, which ranges across Russia from Magadan in the north to
Primorye in the south. The species may occur in North Korea, but
political tensions have prevented recent survey attempts there.
Surveys suggest that the fish owl population in the southern Russian
Far East (encompassing all of Primorsky Krai and Khabarovsky Krai south
from the Amur River) is approximately 100-130 pairs. With extrapolation
to the entire fish owl range, the population could be more than 800
pairs. Recent surveys estimate one pair of Blakiston's fish owls every
3.8 river km along the Samarga River in northern Primorye, possibly the
highest natural concentration of this species globally. Concentrations
of breeding pairs in suitable habitat are generally described as one
pair every 6-12 river km.
A fish owl chick and egg.
Photo by Jon Slaght.
Reproduction
Blakiston's fish owls can form pair bonds as early as their second
year, and reach sexual maturity by age 3. Pairs do not breed every year.
Courtship occurs from January-February, with a clutch of one or two
eggs laid in March. Young fledge up to 50 days post-hatching. Data on
breeding success are scant: on Kunashir Island during a 6-year period
breeding success was 24%; with six fledglings resulting from 25 eggs.
Juveniles remain on their natal territory into their second year,
apparently dispersing as late as July the following year.
Habitat
Blakiston's fish owls require cavernous old-growth tree cavities in
riparian habitat for suitable nest sites and stretches of productive
rivers that remain at least partially unfrozen in winter.
Prey
The fish owl prey base is quite diverse, but even in winter, small
fish are a primary target. In addition to fish, Blakiston's fish owls
also prey on a variety of waterfowl species, small mammals, and
amphibians. Reliance on certain prey species is seasonal: for example,
in spring, frogs are particularly important and taken in great
abundance.
Visit www.fishowls.com for more complete information.
Read about threats facing Blakiston's fish owls.