Blakiston's fish-owl is one of, if not the largest owl species in the world, with a wingspan reaching 2 metres (6.6 ft) and a weight exceeding 4 kilograms (8.8 lb). It is endangered — it's estimated that less than 2,000 individuals hunt the cold rivers of northeast Asia.

While the spotted owlet is nocturnal, it can sometimes be seen during the day — it will bob its head and stare intensely at anyone who bothers it. This owlet can be located by watching for the small birds that often mob it or — during dusk and dawn — by the owlet's “chirurr-chirurr-chirurr” chuckle.