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

White-lored Oriole

White-lored Oriole

Oriolus albiloris

A medium-sized bird of lowland forest and edge in the lowlands and lower mountains on Luzon. Overall yellow in color, slightly darker on the wings and tail, with a reddish bill and a white mark between the bill and the brown eye. Similar to the Isabela Oriole, but slightly smaller, and distinguished by the red bill and the white spot in front of the eye. Gives a whistled song typical of orioles: a medium-pitched whistled phrase of 2-3 notes, usually repeated.

Slaty-backed Gull

Slaty-backed Gull

Larus schistisagus

Thickset, short-winged, pot-bellied gull. Adult has dark gray back and wings, intense pink legs, and an especially large white “crescent” (white tertial edges) near the wingtips when perched. Breeding adult white-headed; nonbreeding birds have variably heavy brown streaking on the head and upper breast. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Often looks rather frosty by the first winter; starts to develop a gray back and whitish eye in its second year. Primarily an Asian species, found in coastal regions from Japan and South Korea to Russia. Regularly occurs in western Alaska, but very rare elsewhere in North America.

Stitchbird

Stitchbird

Notiomystis cincta

A medium-sized songbird endemic to New Zealand, restricted to predator-free offshore islands and North Island mainland sanctuaries. Male has a black head with conspicuous white ear tufts and a white wingbar. Note the vibrant yellow neck and shoulder band. Females and juveniles only have the white wingbar. Curious by nature, confidently approaching people at close range. Despite this, the species can be difficult to spot due to its rapid movements. Both sexes give a high-pitched, single-noted “titch” warning call. Males also produce whistled calls of 2-3 notes. Females can be distinguished from bellbirds by lack of green coloration. Also note the constantly cocked tail and the white wing patches.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.