Moluccan masked owl
The Moluccan masked owl (Tyto sororcula), also referred to as the lesser masked owl, is a species of owl found exclusively in the southern Moluccas of Indonesia. It belongs to the barn owl family and is sometimes considered the same species as the Australian masked owl by certain taxonomists.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the south Moluccas of Indonesia.
- ›Belongs to the barn owl family (Tytonidae).
- ›Its scientific name is Tyto sororcula.
- ›Also known as the lesser masked owl.
- ›May be considered conspecific with the Australian masked owl by some.
- ›Two subspecies are recognized: T. s. sororcula and T. s. cayelli.
Lesser Masked Owl
Indonesia
About Moluccan masked owl
What is the Moluccan masked owl?
The Moluccan masked owl, scientifically known as Tyto sororcula, is a species of owl belonging to the barn owl family. It is distinguished by its specific geographic range, being endemic to the southern Moluccas islands of Indonesia. This owl is also recognized by the common name "lesser masked owl."
Taxonomy and Classification
Tyto sororcula is classified within the order Strigiformes, commonly known as owls. Some ornithological circles consider this species to be conspecific with the Australian masked owl, meaning they might be classified as the same species. Two subspecies have been described: T. s. sororcula and T. s. cayelli.
Geographic Range and Habitat
The Moluccan masked owl's natural habitat is confined to the south Moluccas region of Indonesia. Specific details regarding its preferred habitats within this region are not provided in the available information.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Moluccan masked owl?
The scientific name of the Moluccan masked owl is Tyto sororcula.
Where is the Moluccan masked owl found?
The Moluccan masked owl is endemic to the south Moluccas of Indonesia. It is not found naturally anywhere else in the world.
What are other common names for Tyto sororcula?
Besides the Moluccan masked owl, this species is also commonly known as the lesser masked owl.
What family of owls does the Moluccan masked owl belong to?
The Moluccan masked owl is a member of the barn owl family, which is scientifically known as Tytonidae.
Are there different subspecies of the Moluccan masked owl?
Yes, two subspecies of Tyto sororcula are described: Tyto sororcula sororcula and Tyto sororcula cayelli.
Is the Moluccan masked owl related to the Australian masked owl?
Some taxonomists believe that the Moluccan masked owl may be the same species as the Australian masked owl. This view considers them conspecific.
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.