Papuan Owl

Uroglaux dimorpha

A rare and little-known owl of lowland and foothill forest. Medium-sized with a small-headed appearance. Dark brown with barred back and tail. Pale underparts with long, sparse streaks and finer streaking on the head and throat. Feeds on a variety of prey including rodents, birds and insects. Similar to Barking Owl, but Papuan Owl is slightly smaller with more sparse streaking on the belly and lacks the white flecks on the back. More easily told apart by voice. Voice, a medium-pitch, fluty “hoot hoot” delivered slowly.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Uroglaux dimorpha
Authority
(Salvadori, 1874)
Order
Strigiformes
Family
Strigidae
Genus
Uroglaux

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

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Squatter Pigeon

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Yellow-rumped Warbler

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One of the most common and widespread warblers; often the core member of mixed warbler flocks during migration, especially early in spring and late in fall. Two main populations: “Audubon’s” breeds mainly in the mountains of the western U.S. and into British Columbia; “Myrtle” breeds from the eastern U.S. across Canada to Alaska. All plumages show a bright yellow rump and yellow on the sides. Most “Audubon’s” have a yellow throat, but dull immature females can be off-white. “Myrtle” Warblers have a white throat that wraps around below the cheek. Both subspecies breed in coniferous or mixed forests, often near clearings or edges. In migration and winter, found in any woodland or open shrubby area, including coastal dunes, fields, parks, and residential areas. Often sallies out from a conspicuous perch to snatch insects. Also eats berries in the winter. Calls frequently: a flat “check” (Myrtle) or rising “chit” (Audubon’s). Another distinctive sedentary population, surely a separate species, occurs very locally in the highlands of Guatemala: Goldman’s Warbler. Males are strikingly black overall, and show a mostly yellow throat with white corners.

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