Anjouan scops owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anjouan scops owl |
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The Anjouan scops owl (Otus capnodes) is a small owl. It lives only on the island of Anjouan. This island is part of the Comoro Islands. When an animal or plant lives only in one place, it is called endemic. This owl is very special because it cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
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What Does the Anjouan Scops Owl Look Like?
These owls come in two main colors. Some are grey, and others are a reddish-brown color called rufous. They have tiny ear-tufts. These are much smaller than those on other scops owls.
The grey owls are a dark, smoky grey. They have light brown stripes on their head and neck. Their face is dark brown with thin lines. Their belly is brown with very fine streaks. The tail and wing feathers are also smoky grey.
The reddish-brown owls are browner overall. Their markings stand out more against their feathers. This owl is about 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Its wings can spread out to about 45 cm (18 in).
What Does the Anjouan Scops Owl Sound Like?
The call of the Anjouan scops owl is easy to recognize. It is a long, drawn-out whistle. The owl repeats this sound often, with short breaks in between. Some people say it sounds like the "pee-oo" call of the grey plover. The local people on Anjouan call this owl "badanga."
Where Does the Anjouan Scops Owl Live?
The Anjouan scops owl is found only on the island of Anjouan. It lives in the last parts of the island's natural forests. It can also be found in damaged forests and tree plantations.
These owls seem to need large trees. They prefer trees on steep hillsides. These trees must have holes or cavities. The owls use these holes for nesting and for resting during the day.
How Does the Anjouan Scops Owl Behave?
Scientists do not know much about the Anjouan scops owl's behavior. They believe it probably nests and rests in tree cavities. It likely eats mostly insects.
Why is the Anjouan Scops Owl in Danger?
This owl was thought to be lost for a long time. It was not seen between 1886 and 1992. Then, in June 1992, it was found again!
Today, there are fewer than 400 Anjouan scops owls left. This owl is considered an Endangered animal. This is because it lives in such a small area. This area is quickly losing its forests due to deforestation.
Organizations like Bristol Conservation and The Science Foundation have been working to help. They have done surveys on the island. These surveys help them count how many owls are still alive. This information helps them plan how to protect these special birds.
