Brown wood owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brown wood owl |
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| Sattal, Uttarakhand |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Strix
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| Species: |
leptogrammica
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The brown wood owl (Strix leptogrammica) is a type of owl found in many parts of Asia. You can spot them in countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Taiwan, and southern China. These owls live in these areas all year round. They belong to the family of owls called typical owls (Strigidae), which includes most owl species. They are also part of the Strix genus, known as earless owls.
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What Does It Look Like?
The brown wood owl is a medium-sized bird, usually about 45 to 57 centimeters (about 18 to 22 inches) tall. Its top feathers are a dark brown color. You might see faint white spots on its shoulders. The feathers on its belly are a light, creamy brown with darker brown stripes.
Its face is brown or reddish-brown, with a white edge around it. Unlike some other owls, it doesn't have rings on its face. Its eyes are dark brown. You'll also notice a white band around its neck. Male and female brown wood owls look very similar.
What Sounds Does It Make?
The brown wood owl has a few different calls. One common sound is a (hoo) hoo hoo HOO. Another call is a deep goke-goke-ga-LOOO. Sometimes, they make a loud scream! When they are alarmed or feel threatened, they let out a bark-like sound, wow-wow.
Some types of brown wood owls, called subspecies, have their own special calls. For example, the northern group, sometimes called the Himalayan wood-owl, makes a soft, low to-hooh sound. It's a bit like a rock dove cooing. Another subspecies from Java, called Bartels's wood-owl, makes a loud, strong, single HOOH! with long pauses between each call.
Where Does It Live and What Does It Eat?
Brown wood owls are very active at night, which means they are nocturnal. They usually live in thick, dense forests. If you're trying to find one during the day, look for small birds making a fuss around a tree. These small birds often "mob" or bother the owl while it's resting, trying to get it to leave.
The main food for the brown wood owl includes small mammals, other birds, and reptiles. They are skilled hunters in the dark forest.
Types of Brown Wood Owls
There are 14 known subspecies of the brown wood owl. These are slightly different versions of the owl, often found in different areas.
- S. leptogrammica bartelsi - Also known as Bartel's wood-owl or Javan brown wood owl
- S. leptogrammica caligata - Formosan brown wood owl
- S. leptogrammica chaseni
- S. leptogrammica indranee
- S. leptogrammica laotiana
- S. leptogrammica leptogrammica
- S. leptogrammica maingayi
- S. leptogrammica myrtha
- S. leptogrammica newarensis - Himalayan wood-owl
- S. leptogrammica niasensis
- S. leptogrammica nyctiphasma
- S. leptogrammica ochrogenys - Sri Lankan wood owl
- S. leptogrammica ticehursti
- S. leptogrammica vaga
