Cyprus Scops-Owl
Otus cyprius
A small dark owl, intricately marked with black streaks and fine barring. Bright yellow eyes are set in a pale face ringed with black. The ear tufts can be prominent, especially when seen on a day roost, but sometimes are nearly invisible. Found in open woodlands, orchards, and parks. Active at night, when usually detected by monotonously repeated song, a single plaintive hoot that carries quite well. Within its restricted range, can only be confused with Little Owl, but separated by smaller size, ear tufts, and gray rather than brown overall coloration.
Taxonomy
It is similar to the Eurasian scops owl Otus scops, with which it was once considered conspecific. The Cyprus scops owl differs from Eurasian scops owl in that it has a double noted song (vs. single noted), it lacks a rufous morph (vs. has a rufous morph), and that it shows consistent plumage differences (with Cyprus scops owl appearing darker than Eurasian scops owls). There are limited mitochondrial DNA differences between the Cyprus scops owl and the Eurasian scops owl, but the taxa appear to occupy wholly discrete breeding ranges despite temporary sympatry during migration.
- Scientific name
- Otus cyprius
- Authority
- (Madarász, G, 1901)
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Otus
Range and habitat
The Cyprus scops owl is endemic to the island of Cyprus. It is reported in the literature to occur in rural areas, woodlands, and forests on the island from sea level up to 1,900 metres (6,200 ft). Considering the highest point on the island is only 1,952 metres (6,404 ft) at Mt. Olympus and that there are records of this species near the summit, the species distribution encompasses virtually the entire island.<p>Recordings of similar-sounding owls in adjacent mainland Israel have been attributed to this species, but the current taxonomic status of these mainland populations is not known.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The species nests in natural cavities, in cavities in buildings, and in artificial nest boxes. In a study using nest-boxes, the highest levels of nest-box occupancy were found near forest edge and in rural areas, although the species can be found in most habitats on the island below 1900 m. The nesting habits of these species are of particular interest, as this is a cavity-nesting endemic species on an island that lacks any species of woodpeckers, and Calabrian pines Pinus brutia "rarely develop cavities until [they are] old".
Conservation
- Population trend
- unknown
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Very similar to Blue-and-white Flycatcher (breeding grounds do not overlap). Females and juveniles are essentially unidentifiable while on migration unless seen with an adult male, which is radiant, electric blue above and white below, lacking the contrasting black throat and breast of Blue-and-white, instead transitioning more smoothly from blue to white. Pale gray smudging on the flanks, while more difficult to see, can also serve to differentiate the two. Song is a thrush-like series of bright, slightly slurred warbles and whistles. Breeds in submontane mixed forests in northern China; wintering grounds little-known, but presumably at a similar altitudinal range in evergreen forests.
Tawny-bellied Hermit
Phaethornis syrmatophorus
Large forest hummingbird with long decurved bill and long tail. Rich buffy belly and rump, obvious pale eyebrow and mustache stripe. Elongated central tail feathers with white tips, like many other large hermits. Found in subtropical forest understory in the Andes from Colombia to northern Peru, usually from 1,500–2,300 m. Higher elevation than other hermits. Usually flies by quickly in the dark forest understory uttering a piercing “tseet!” call, occasionally stopping to feed at flowers, especially Heliconia. Rarely visits feeders.
Tumbes Pewee
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Small flycatcher found in dry and semi-humid forest in western Ecuador and western Peru. It is mostly gray with pale wingbars and a small crest. Some birds show a small amount of yellow on the belly. Prefers drier habitats than Eastern Wood-Pewee and Western Wood-Pewee, and only rarely found together with them. Tropical Pewee has shorter wings, a longer tail, and may show a faint spot between the eye and bill. Voice is very distinctive. Typical song in most of its range is a clear, whistled “pee, wee”; occasionally more notes are given. In the Marañón Valley it gives a different “chee-wit” or “chee-chee-widit”. Often encountered on an exposed branch, from which it makes regular sallies to hunt insects. It may return to the same perch repeatedly. Formerly considered a subspecies of Tropical Pewee.
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