Sulawesi masked owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sulawesi masked owl |
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| Conservation status | |
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Tyto
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| Species: |
rosenbergii
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The Sulawesi masked owl (Tyto rosenbergii) is a special type of owl. It belongs to the Tytonidae family, which includes barn owls. This owl lives only on the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Sangihe, and Peleng. Experts say it is not currently in danger of disappearing.
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Meet the Sulawesi Masked Owl
This owl is also known by other names like Rosenberg's owl or the Celebes barn-owl. It was first described in 1866 by a German bird expert named Hermann Schlegel. He named it "rosenbergii" after Hermann von Rosenberg, who collected bird samples in the East Indies.
Where Do They Live?
There are two main groups, or subspecies, of the Sulawesi masked owl:
- T. r. rosenbergii: This group lives on the islands of Sulawesi and Sangihe.
- T. r. pelengensis: This group is found on Peleng island, which is part of the Banggai Island group.
What Does the Sulawesi Masked Owl Look Like?
The Sulawesi masked owl is a medium-sized bird. It usually grows to be about 43 to 46 centimeters (about 17 to 18 inches) long.
Colors and Markings
Male Sulawesi masked owls have dark grey feathers on their upper bodies. These feathers have small white spots and lines. Their undersides are a light brown color with darker spots and streaks. The owl's face has a white or light brownish-white mask, which gives it its name.
Their Unique Call
When this owl calls, it makes a long, spooky screech. You can often hear this sound when the owl is flying.
How Does the Sulawesi Masked Owl Live?
Scientists are still learning a lot about the Sulawesi masked owl's daily life. We know it is a nocturnal hunter, meaning it hunts at night.
Where They Hunt
These owls like to hunt in different places. They can be found in forests that are growing back, on farms, in grassy areas, and in open fields.
What Do They Eat?
By studying what the owls spit up (called pellets), experts have found that their diet includes small animals like rats and shrews. These owls are often seen in areas with farms and bushes, especially in the Gunung Ambang Nature Reserve in northern Sulawesi during early morning visits.
Is the Sulawesi Masked Owl Safe?
The Sulawesi masked owl lives across a wide area. Even though we don't know exactly how many there are, their numbers seem to be steady.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Sulawesi masked owl as a species of "least concern" on its IUCN Red List. This means that, for now, they are not considered to be in danger of extinction.
