Andaman Scops Owl

Andaman Scops-Owl

The Andaman Scops-Owl ( Otus balli ), also referred to as Andamaneule, is a species of owl of the genus Scops owls. It occurs in the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal.

Appearance

The Andaman Scops reached a size 18 to 19 centimeters. There is a reddish brown, and a gray-brown color morph. The eyebrows are light and the ear tufts are hardly prominent. The top is sparse set with black and white spots. The brown and tan hand and arm swing are banded white. The tail is brown and tan banded. The underside is gray and brighter than the top. The breast is characterized by fine wavy lines and thin black spots. The iris is yellow, hazel or brown, the beak yellow or greenish horn color. The legs are featherless one-third or half. The feet are flesh-colored - gray to greenish - yellow. The juvenile birds the skull, chest and the elytra have a fine, thick banding.

Vocalizations

The territorial call consists of nasal muted tones that are played singly or in short irregular intervals.

Habitat

The Andaman Scops-Owl inhabits semi-open areas, settlements, cultivated areas and gardens. Occasionally they can be found in bungalows.

Way of life

The Andaman Scops-Owl is a sedentary, nocturnal bird. The diet consists mainly of caterpillars and beetles and other insects out. He sneaks parrot similar to the caterpillars zoom and picks them from the foliage. The breeding season is from February to April. The nest is usually built in natural tree cavities or abandoned caves of woodpeckers and barbets in two to four meters above the ground. The nest consists of two to three eggs.