Rainforest Scops Owl

Madagascar Scops Owl ( Otus rutilus )

The Madagascar Scops Owl ( Otus rutilus ) or sometimes Pembaeule is a species of scops owls ( Otus genus ) within the authentics owls ( Strigidae ). She lives in Madagascar and the Comoros. First described it, Jacques Pucheran 1849.

Features

The Madagascar Scops Owl reached a size 19 to 23 centimeters and a weight of up to 120 grams, the females are slightly heavier in general. It occurs in three types of staining, a brown, a reddish (especially in the eastern part of Madagascar ) and a gray- brown (especially in the western part of the island). All forms have relatively small ear tufts, a yellow iris, a gray - brown belly and just such toes and claws dark brown. The face is light brown with dark eyebrows, the back feathers are interspersed with yellow and white polka dots, and often with a black pattern. In the shoulder region, there are white spots with black markings. The belly is in all forms more or less gray-brown with red-brown and black stripes.

Distribution and habitat

The Madagascar Scops Owl is widespread in the nominate Otus rutilus rutilus on the entire island of Madagascar. A subspecies of Otus rutilus mayottensis exists on the Comorian island of Mayotte. This subspecies is slightly larger and corresponds to the brown color type, some researchers believe that it is a separate species. The Madagascar Scops Owl is part of the IUCN considered not at risk.

The owls prefer moist forests and scrubland, in the west and drier areas with scattered trees.

Way of life

The Madagascar Scops Owl feeds mainly on large insects, especially beetles and moths. She chases them both flying and in the trees and on the ground.

Very little is known about the reproduction of animals. They are probably the most hole-nesting birds in tree cavities, although ground nests are known. The nest consists of three to four eggs, hatching the female.