Collared Scops-Owl
Otus lettia
Medium-sized owl with significant variation in plumage and vocalizations across its large range. Either gray or brown in coloration, with prominent pale ear tufts and pale face outlined in black. Fond of open wooded habitats from lowlands to foothills, often found roosting in temples, houses, and gardens, particularly in rural areas. Larger and more strongly tufted than both Oriental and Mountain Scops-Owls; both also lack the black facial border. Listen for this species’ incisive, short hoots, given at well-spaced intervals (often around 10 seconds).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Otus lettia
- Authority
- (Hodgson, 1836)
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Otus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Striped Wren-Babbler
Kenopia striata
Brown-and-white terrestrial babbler that scuttles around in the leaf litter like a rodent. Note lightly speckled black crown, white face and underparts, and rusty-orange stain on the forehead. Favors wetter forests, ranging from lowlands up into submontane areas. Gives short haunting whistles, either singly or in series.
Aldabra Drongo
Dicrurus aldabranus
Bold, black fork-tailed bird with a red eye. There is sometimes but not always a tuft of long feathers above the bill. Juveniles have an unusual pale-gray plumage, but still show the forked tail. Found in all habitats with bushes and trees on the remote Seychelles island of Aldabra, including forest, mangroves, and thick scrub. Perches prominently in the open, swooping out to catch insects on the wing. Often follows Madagascar Coucals and Aldabra Giant Tortoises, feeding on insects that they disturb. Song is a repeated sequence of whistles, creaks, and rasps.
Rarotonga Monarch
Pomarea dimidiata
A thick-set flycatcher with bicolored plumage, dark above and white below. Body darker than grayish head. White of underparts often extends above the bill base. Juvenile entirely rufous; while gaining dark feathers, can look messy and mottled. Found in native forest, often in undergrowth, especially in small wet steep valleys. Voice reportedly a raucous, chattering “ter whik whik whik.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.