African scops owl
| African scops owl | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Otus |
| Species: | O. senegalensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Otus senegalensis (Swainson, 1837) | |
The African scops owl (Otus senegalensis) is a small owl endemic to sub-Saharan Africa.
The African scops owl gives a distinctive "prrrp" at five second intervals. It is nevertheless difficult to sight due to its camouflage, small size and cryptic behavior. During roosting in daylight, this species extends its ear tufts to give the impression of a tree branch, making it easily overlooked. The African scops owl is around 15–17 cm in length.
The African scops owl's primary habitat is woodland, especially Mopane and Okavango; it also inhabits a wide range of mixed bushveld.
The African scops owl produces four to six eggs throughout April and June. Incubation lasts about 27 days. The young fledge in 30 days. The African scops owl lays her eggs in a tree hollow.
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Otus senegalensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
External links
- African Scops Owl - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.
- African Scops-Owl (Otus senegalensis) videos and photos at Internet Bird Collection