However, seldom, they will also take other aquatic animals such as frogs, crabs, mussels and large insects.[1] In one case, a Pel's fishing owl was observed to predate a baby Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).[14] While perched over the water, these owls detect the movement of fish from ripples in the water and swoop down to seize their prey with their powerful talons and then swoop back to their perch for consumption. Unlike many other fish-eating birds, Pel's fishing owl rarely submerge themselves or get particularly wet while hunting.