Andaman Scops-Owl
Otus balli
A small, dark owl with bright yellow eyes and a yellow bill. Note the lack of streaking on the underparts and the small, pale flecks on the upperparts. The color of the plumage may range from bright reddish-brown to dark brown. Found in forests, where it is active only at night. The calls include an ascending, slightly accelerating series of “wup-up-up-up-...” notes.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Otus balli
- Authority
- (Hume, 1873)
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Otus
Range and habitat
The species prefers living in trees in semi-open areas. This includes gardens, cultivated areas, and next to human settlements. The species is also notorious for entering bungalows and homes.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Conservation
Conservation status of this owl was listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2020. A rise of habitat destruction on the Islands has caused some worries about the future of the owl, but as of the last assessment date, the population numbers are healthy. Though there is no official population size recorded, the owl has tolerated habitat destruction well.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Reischek's Parakeet
Cyanoramphus hochstetteri
A medium-sized, emerald-green parakeet endemic to the Antipodes Islands, including smaller outer islands. Recognized by its distinctive bright red crown and small red patches behind the eyes. Green body plumage has a slight yellowish tint. Males are larger than females. Most commonly found in areas of low vegetation and open areas along the coast. Forms small flocks in autumn and winter. Calls are a distinctive parakeet chatter. Distinguished from Red-crowned Parakeet by lack of range overlap and the more yellow-green body plumage. Easily distinguished from larger, all-green Antipodes Island Parakeet.
Montane Foliage-gleaner
Anabacerthia striaticollis
Fairly small brownish bird of Andean foothills and subtropical zone from Venezuela to Bolivia. Rather plain overall with obvious pale eyering and eyebrow, giving it a spectacled appearance. Pale throat is slightly scaled; breast streaking is faint or absent. A regular member of mixed-species flocks in cloud forest, usually staying at low or middle levels. Typical foliage-gleaner behavior, hopping along limbs and investigating clumps of moss and dead leaves.
Lesser Gray Shrike
Lanius minor
Prominent black forecrown and contrast between pinky breast and white throat distinctive. Bill thicker and more rounded than Great Gray Shrike. Found in open country with scattered bushes and trees with prominent perches, often seen perching on telephone wires. A warmth-loving summer migrant breeding in southern Europe and wintering in Africa. Feeds mostly on invertebrates.
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