Simeulue Scops-Owl
Otus umbra
Small scops-owl with bright yellow eyes, found only on Simeulue. Almost uniformly rufous-brown, with very inconspicuous (often flattened) ear tufts. The only resident scops-owl on Simeulue; migrant Oriental Scops-Owls could also occur on the island, but average larger, and have a more well-defined facial disc. Utilizes a variety of wooded habitats, from pristine forests to plantations. Listen for its song, a series of hiccupy piping notes, somewhat reminiscent of a barbet. Also gives a series of short squeals, which are sometimes mixed in with the song.
Identification
The Simeulue scops owl (Otus umbra) is an owl species endemic to the island of Simeulue, Indonesia.
Taxonomy
Genus: Otus; Family: Strigidae; Order: Strigiformes.
- Scientific name
- Otus umbra
- Authority
- (Richmond, 1903)
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Otus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Gray-breasted Babbler
Malacopteron albogulare
Smartly-attired babbler of wet lowland and foothills forests. Gray-brown with a sharply contrasting gray-and-white head pattern and off-white belly. Not as social as many other babblers; at most seen in small flocks, and more often seen singly or in pairs. Forages near the forest floor, hopping sideways between branches. Song is a rather hesitant-sounding series of whistles and chirps.
Rufous-winged Antshrike
Thamnophilus torquatus
Medium-sized antshrike. Males have black-and-white barring on the breast and tail and a black crown that fades to gray on the back. Females have pale cinnamon underparts, a rusty crown and tail, and gray cheeks. Both males and females have rusty wings. Inhabits the understory of savanna woodlands, thickets, and scrub. The song is loud with a series of accelerating notes.
Little Hermit
Phaethornis longuemareus
Tiny, mostly warm brown hummingbird. Note distinctive curved bill; long, white central tail feathers; and dark brown throat. Found in understory of swampy forest, including second growth and abandoned plantations, primarily in coastal areas. Forages on nectar, visiting widely-spaced food sources and often seen flying between them in low, direct flight, giving a characteristic plaintive squeak. At close range, often detected by loud and erratic wing noise, like a large bee, as it weaves among understory plants. May pause briefly to investigate people. Males sing from low perches; song is a series of high, slurred notes with a distinctive pattern. Most similar to Reddish Hermit, but Little is much less rufous, lacks a black breast band, and is generally restricted to coastal swamp forests.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.