Rainforest scops owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madagascar Scops Owl |
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| Kirindy Forest, Madagascar | |
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| Juvenile at Andasibe, Madagascar | |
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The Madagascar scops owl (Otus rutilus) is a small type of owl. People also call it the Malagasy scops owl or Rainforest scops owl. These owls live only on the island of Madagascar. They are part of the owl family known as Strigidae. Recently, scientists decided that the Torotoroka scops owl is actually the same species. So, now they are all called the Madagascar scops owl.
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What Does the Madagascar Scops Owl Look Like?
The Madagascar scops owl is a pretty small bird. It has short, rounded wings. On top of its head, it has short ear-tufts that can stand up. These are not real ears, but feathers that look like ears!
These owls can come in three different colors. Some are grey, some are brown, and some are a reddish-brown color (called rufous). They have light eyebrows above their yellow eyes. You might also see light spots on their shoulders. Their wings and tail feathers have stripes. Sometimes, their head and belly have streaks too. Their beak has a black tip and can be dull green or yellowish-grey.
These owls are about 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) long. That's about the length of a ruler! Their wings can spread out to 52–54 cm (20–21 in) wide.
What Sounds Do They Make?
The Madagascar scops owl has a special song. It's a series of 5 to 9 short, clear hoots. It sounds like "pu-pu-pu-pu-pu". They repeat these hoots every few seconds. It's how they talk to each other!
Where Do Madagascar Scops Owls Live?
These owls are special because they are endemic to Madagascar. This means they are found nowhere else in the world! They live all over the island.
The owls that live in the eastern part of Madagascar prefer wet, tropical forests. This is why they are sometimes called "Rainforest scops owls." The owls in the western part of the island like drier places.
How Do They Live?
The Madagascar scops owl is a hunter. It mostly eats small bugs like grasshoppers, beetles, moths, and spiders. Sometimes, it will also catch small animals with backbones. They hunt at night, usually from a tree branch. They can even catch moths while flying!
During the day, these owls hide. They rest in thick leaves, on a branch, or close to a tree trunk. This helps them stay safe and hidden.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
We don't know a lot about how these owls raise their young. They build their nests inside tree hollows. The female owl usually lays 3 or 4 white eggs. This probably happens in November and December.
About Their Family Tree
For a long time, scientists thought the Madagascar scops owl was part of a bigger group of owls. This group included the Mayotte scops owl and the Pemba scops owl. But new studies using genetics have shown that they are different species.
Now, scientists believe the Madagascar scops owl and the Torotoroka scops owl are actually the same species. They look a bit different, but their voices are very similar. So, they are now both called the Madagascar scops owl.
