Sunda Owlet
Taenioptynx sylvaticus
A tiny brown owl of humid forest in mountains and foothills, with brown upperparts and white underparts with long, broad rufous-brown streaks. Tooting song is variable, though the most common pattern is “doot doot-doot doot do-do-do,” repeated every 10-30 seconds. Often sings during the day, and can be mistaken for a barbet, but the exact pattern of toots is unlike any barbet. Visually, could be mistaken for a scops-owl, but separated by the distinctive voice, the broad brown streaks below, and the lack of ear tufts.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Taenioptynx sylvaticus
- Authority
- (Bonaparte, 1850)
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Taenioptynx
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-bellied Antbird
Myrmeciza longipes
Medium-sized antbird with a disjunct range from Panama to Brazil. Variable plumage across range. Male generally rufous above and gray below with a white lower belly and blackish face and throat. Females are brown below with dark spotting on the wing coverts. Occurs in pairs in the dense understory of forest edge and second growth; often skulky and difficult to see well. Listen for a rapid trill that starts high and descends in both speed and pitch.
Brown Quail
Synoicus ypsilophorus
Large, heavily marked quail, but from a distance appears fairly plain and brown. Typically found in swampy areas with long grass. Scurries across pathways in small groups, or explodes from cover when almost underfoot. Distinctive 2-note whistle often reveals its presence.
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Stocky and dark overall with short tail and triangular wings. A close look reveals beautiful plumage: in breeding season, look for purple and green iridescence and a yellow bill. In winter, shows extensive white and buffy spots over the entire body. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown; note bill shape. Native to Eurasia; introduced extensively across the globe. Often abundant, gathering in large flocks in open agricultural areas and towns and cities. Makes a variety of squeaky vocalizations, and often mimics other species. Visits feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
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