Enggano scops owl
Species of owl
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Enggano scops owl (Otus enganensis) is an owl endemic to Enggano Island, Indonesia.
| Enggano scops owl | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Otus |
| Species: | O. enganensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Otus enganensis Riley, 1927 | |
Morphology
The Enggano scops owl is a chestnut colored owl with lighter areas on the throat and cheeks and a whitish "X" on the face[3] It is similar in appearance to the Simeulue scops owl (Otus umbra), with a large bill and white barring on the flanks. It is slightly smaller that the Oriental scops owl (Otus sunia).[3] The wingspan of the type specimen measured 14.2cm.[4]
Distribution and behavior
The Enggano scops owl exclusively inhabits Enggano island in Indonesia. It is found in forests and at forest edges. It has a deep and throaty call.[3]
Description and taxonomy
The Enggano scops owl was described by the American ornithologist Joseph Harvey Riley in 1927 based on a museum specimen. It was initially described as a subspecies of the Simeulue scops owl, Otus umbra[4] but is now considered to be a distinct species. The type specimen is held at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.[5]
Human interactions
During an avian survey conducted on Enggano Island in 2020 local villagers were asked about the use of the island's bird species. The Enggano scops owl was not one of the species hunted by locals.[6]
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