Sangihe scops owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sangihe scops owl |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Otus
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| Species: |
collari
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The Sangihe scops owl (Otus collari) is a special type of owl that lives only on Sangihe Island in Indonesia. It's a unique bird found nowhere else in the world!
Contents
What Does the Sangihe Scops Owl Look Like?
How Big Are These Owls?
The Sangihe scops owl is a fairly small bird. It has long, narrow wings and a tiny beak and tail. Its feet and claws are not very strong. This owl also has ear tufts, which are feathers that look like ears, of a medium length.
These owls are about 7.5 to 7.8 inches tall. Their wings are usually around 158 to 166 millimeters long. On average, a Sangihe scops owl weighs about 76 grams, which is about as much as a small apple!
What Colors Are They?
Sangihe scops owls are mostly brown. They have a bit of white above their eyes on their face. Each owl has unique black streaks and patches on its feathers. These markings help them blend in perfectly with their forest home, making them hard to spot!
Their upper body is brown with dark lines. The owl's eyes are yellow, but their pupils (the center part of the eye) are red. They have tan feathers on their belly.
What Does the Sangihe Scops Owl Sound Like?
The Sangihe scops owl has a very special call. It sounds like a weak, high-pitched whistle. This whistle can last for a long time, usually about 7 to 8 seconds!
Where Do Sangihe Scops Owls Live?
What is Their Habitat?
These owls live only on the Sangihe Islands, which are located in Southeast Asia near Indonesia. They really like forests and areas where different kinds of trees are grown. You can find them all over the island.
They often live in farm areas that have trees and bushes. They can be found at heights up to 1,150 feet above sea level.
What Do Sangihe Scops Owls Eat?
What is Their Diet?
The Sangihe scops owl enjoys a varied diet. They mostly eat large insects. They also hunt for earthworms, small reptiles, tiny mammals, and even other small birds.
How Were They Discovered?
The History of the Sangihe Scops Owl
Scientists believe the Sangihe scops owl is related to a group of owls called O. Manadenis. The first owls of this kind were collected a long time ago, in 1866 and 1867. For a while, people thought they were part of another owl species called O. Magicus.
However, in 1996, scientists looked closely at photos and listened to their calls. They realized these owls were different from both O. Mandenis and O. Magicus. Even though they are very similar to O. Mandenis, they are now considered their own separate species.
The Sangihe scops owl is one of 17 types of scops owls found in Indonesia. It belongs to the Strigidae family, which includes many types of owls. These owls are active at night, and their unique high-pitched whistle helps tell them apart. This species is monotypic, meaning it does not have any subspecies.
Are Sangihe Scops Owls in Danger?
Population and Threats
Good news! These birds are not in serious danger. Their population is quite stable. However, there are still some small threats. One threat is when their forest homes are destroyed. Also, larger animals sometimes hunt them.
The Sangihe scops owl is not considered globally threatened. They seem to do well even in places where humans have changed the environment. But, like all animals, they face natural dangers like deforestation (when forests are cut down) and natural disasters.
Their population is estimated to be between 10,000 and 25,000 owls. Scientists have confirmed that their numbers are staying steady. These owls are common and widespread on Sangihe Island.
