Biak scops owl
The Biak scops owl is a species of owl found exclusively on the Indonesian islands of Biak and Supiori. This small owl is characterized by its long ear-tufts and can appear in dark brown or rufous color forms. It inhabits forest edges and interiors, and its diet primarily consists of small vertebrates and insects.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Biak-Supiori islands in Papua, Indonesia.
- ›Measures 20–25 cm in length.
- ›Possesses long ear-tufts and a pale whitish-brown facial disc.
- ›Exhibits dark brown and rufous color forms, possibly morphs.
- ›Feeds mainly on small vertebrates and insects.
- ›Inhabits forest edges and interiors, sometimes near human settlements.
Biak Scops Owl
Forest Edges, Forest Interiors, Near Villages
Indonesia
Small Vertebrates, Insects
About Biak scops owl
The Biak scops owl (Otus beccarii) is a small owl species found exclusively on the Indonesian islands of Biak and Supiori, situated in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua. This owl is distinguished by its prominent, long ear-tufts and a pale whitish-brown facial disc.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Biak scops owls measure between 20 and 25 centimeters in length. They are known to appear in two distinct color forms: a dark brown form and a rufous form, which are likely morphs of the species. Their preferred habitat includes forest edges and the interiors of forests, although they have occasionally been observed living near villages.
Diet and Vocalization
The diet of the Biak scops owl primarily consists of small vertebrates and insects. Its call is described as being hoarse and similar to that of a corvid.
Behavior and Reproduction
This species is rarely seen, and consequently, little is known about its reproductive behaviors or other aspects of its life history. Information regarding its lifespan, breeding season, nesting habits, clutch size, social behavior, and predators is not well-documented in available records.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Biak scops owl?
The scientific name for the Biak scops owl is Otus beccarii.
Where is the Biak scops owl found?
The Biak scops owl is endemic to the twin islands of Biak and Supiori, located in Cenderawasih Bay in Papua, Indonesia.
What does the Biak scops owl look like?
It is a small owl, measuring 20–25 cm in length, with long ear-tufts and a pale whitish-brown facial disc. It can appear in either dark brown or rufous color forms.
What does the Biak scops owl eat?
Its diet primarily consists of small vertebrates and insects.
What kind of habitat does the Biak scops owl prefer?
The Biak scops owl primarily lives at forest edges and within forests. It may occasionally be found near villages.
What is the call of the Biak scops owl like?
The call of the Biak scops owl is described as hoarse and corvid-like.
Related Owl species
African grass owl
The African grass owl (Tyto capensis) is a medium-sized owl found in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its uniform sooty blackish-brown upperparts and heart-shaped facial disc. It primarily inhabits moist grasslands and savannas, where it hunts rodents and other small mammals at night.
African scops owl
The African scops owl (Otus senegalensis) is a small owl native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by its cryptic greyish-brown plumage and bright yellow eyes. It is a strictly nocturnal hunter, often overlooked during the day due to its remarkable camouflage. Its distinctive call is a monotonous "prrrp" sound.
African wood owl
The African wood owl (Strix woodfordii), also known as Woodford's owl, is a common forest owl species native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is distinguished by its rounded head, large dark eyes with white eyebrows, and a distinctive hooting call that can be heard over long distances. This owl is strictly nocturnal and primarily inhabits indigenous forests and woodlands.