Luzon scops owl

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Luzon scops owl
Otus longicornis 2009 stamp of the Philippines.jpg
CITES Appendix II (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Otus
Species:
O. longicornis
Binomial name
Otus longicornis
Synonyms
  • Scops longicornisOgilvie-Grant, 1894

The Luzon scops owl (Otus longicornis) or the Luzon highland scops owl is a species of scops owl endemic to Luzon, Philippines. Not to be confused with the Philippine scops owl (Otus megalotis), sometimes referred to as the Luzon lowland scops owl, which is a more common species that shares the same range. The Luzon scops owl, however, is smaller and inhabits higher altitudes than its lowland relative. [3]

Contents

Description

The Luzon scops owl is relatively small even among species of scops owls endemic to the Philippines. It has a body length of 18 to 19 cm with a wing length of 13.6 to 15.3 cm. Their large eyes have bright yellow irises, and their beaks are small and slender. Their tarsi are feathered, but only until about halfway through its length and they are equipped with long, sharp claws, typical of birds of prey. Characteristic of scops owls, this species has long ear tufts and an overall dark brown and rufous plumage. Horizontal dark bars irregularly streak across most of its feathers. Areas along its breast, collar and facial disc are speckled white, giving its face the appearance of having white eyebrows. In contrast, the dark brown or rufous feathers on its throat, head and ear tufts are tipped black. [4] [5]

There is little information on this species' body mass, but a select few specimens weighed between 82 to 93 grams. [6] [7] [8]

Taxonomy

The Luzon scops owl is monotypic. Individuals of this species were previously thought to be part of Otus spilocephalus or O. scops , but proper classification by Joe T. Marshall in 1978 based on morphological features and vocalizations eventually earned it the species name Otus longicornis. [4] [9]  It is closest genetically to the Mindanao scops owl (O. mirus) and the Mindoro scops owl (O. mindorensis) within the Otus genus, supported by their similar use of high altitude habitats. Besides their habitat preference, a genetic study also supports the evolutionary separation of the highland subgroup of Philippine-endemic scops owl species from those that prefer lowland habitats like the Philippine scops owl and its subspecies (O. megalotis megalotis, O. everetti, O. nigrorum) as well as the Giant scops owl (O. gurneyi). [3] [5]

Habitat and Distribution

The Luzon scops owl is known to be found in rainforest, montane forest, and tropical pine forest habitats at altitudes generally ranging anywhere from 350 to 1,800 m, but it may also be found at heights upwards of 2,200m. [5] [10]

Although its habitat range across Luzon appears to be relatively large, it is noted to be uncommon and has a patchy distribution that corresponds to its preferred, highland habitats. [11] [10] It has been recorded primarily in northern Luzon provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Benguet, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, or near Manila in Bulacan and Quezon. However, they may be found as far south as provinces like Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. [12]

Behaviour

According to limited sightings, the Luzon scops owl appears to be a sedentary species, remaining in the same habitat year round. [4] Like many owls, they have a nocturnal lifestyle. [6]

Vocalizations

Recorded male vocalizations appear to be more frequent at night and consist of a single note that lowers in pitch, each whistle being separated by 3 to 5 seconds of silence. [4] [10] Their vocalization is said to resemble that of the Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops), however the single whistle type of vocalization is characteristic of many other scops owl species. [5]

Diet

Little information is known about the species’ diet. However, an inspection of the stomach contents of a few individuals revealed that they may be invertivores, primarily feeding on insects. [4]

Reproduction

Information about reproduction is limited to a few sightings. Notably, chicks were observed to be born in May with light grey down feathers. The owls observed nested in a tree hole with a clutch size of 2 to 3 eggs per nest. [4] [13] Adult Luzon scops owls are thought to begin breeding at one year old with one clutch being produced per year. [7]

Conservation

As of 2016, the IUCN Red List assessed the Luzon scops owl to be a near threatened species. Activities that contribute to deforestation such as logging, mining and the growth of agricultural land in the region of Luzon pose a threat to its endemic species. Because habitat loss is primarily occurring in lowland habitats and the Luzon scops owl is often found at higher altitudes, it is not officially listed as threatened by the IUCN, but still appears to be affected by these disturbances. [11] [13] The lack of sightings of the Luzon scops owl at lower altitudes may also suggest it is becoming rare at these altitudes because of disturbances caused by human activity. [10]

It is heavily suggested that critical habitats for the Luzon scops owl and other endangered or threatened birds be protected at all altitudes. Certain important areas Mount Pulag National Park are already protecting highland-dependant species and the Philippine government is working on creating more protected areas through the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS). [10]

This bird species is also severely lacking in habitat and population monitoring. Currently, there is no known information on population size and little known on population trends besides the high likelihood that it is decreasing. [4] [13] Population surveys and frequent updates on the rates and effects of habitat loss within its range are strongly recommended to amend holes in its conservation plan. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scops owl</span> Genus of birds

Scops owls are typical owls in family Strigidae belonging to the genus Otus and are restricted to the Old World. Otus is the largest genus of owls with 59 species. Scops owls are colored in various brownish hues, sometimes with a lighter underside and/or face, which helps to camouflage them against the bark of trees. Some are polymorphic, occurring in a greyish- and a reddish-brown morph. They are small and agile, with both sexes being compact in size and shape. Female scops owls are usually larger than males.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese scops owl</span> Species of bird

The Japanese scops-owl is a small owl species in the family Strigidae, or true owl family. It is a member of the genus Otus, the scops owl genus. It is resident to Japan, China, Korea, and Russia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philippine scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Philippine scops owl is a common owl, endemic to the Philippines, belonging to the family of the typical owls Strigidae. Other common names include "Otus Whitehead", "Whitehead scops owl" and "Luzon lowland scops owl". Everett's scops owl and Negros scops owls were formerly considered conspecific but are now classified as separate species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flores scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Flores scops owl is an owl endemic to the island of Flores, Indonesia. It is threatened by habitat loss. This owl is around 19–21 cm from head to tail. They are a forest dwelling owl that is smallish in size. Some 250–2,499 individuals are estimated to be extant in the wild, dwindling due to habitat loss.

The Javan scops owl is a small species of owl living mainly on western Java's high volcanos; local people refer to the owl as Celepuk Jawa. Like most owls, this nocturnal bird also has a strong ability of silent flight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wallace's scops owl</span> Species of bird endemic to Indonesia

Wallace's scops owl is endemic to the Sumbawa and Flores islands, in the Lesser Sundas chain of Indonesia. It is not rare in most of its habitat and has no subspecies except for the nominate. It is also known as the Lesser Sunda scops owl. It is named after Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, and biologist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Palawan scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Palawan scops owl is an owl endemic to the Philippines only being found on the island of Palawan. It is found on tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The Sangihe scops owl is an owl species endemic to the Sangihe Island of Indonesia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mantanani scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Mantanani scops owl, is a small owl in the scops-owl genus Otus found on small islands between Borneo and the Philippines. It is listed by the IUCN as "near threatened" because its range is limited with its population being fragmented on several different islands, and its forest habitat is being degraded by ongoing logging and clearance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giant scops owl</span> Species of owl

The giant scops owl, lesser eagle-owl or the Mindanao eagle-owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. In size and structure, it is considered intermediate between a scops owl and an eagle-owl. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">São Tomé scops owl</span> Species of owl

The São Tomé scops owl is a species of owl in the true owl family, Strigidae. It is endemic to São Tomé Island, part of São Tomé and Príncipe, in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Central Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mayotte scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Mayotte scops owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the island of Mayotte in the Comoros.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everett's scops owl</span> Species of owl

Everett's scops owl is an owl, endemic to the Philippines, belonging to the family of the typical owls Strigidae. Everett's scops owls feed at night on insects. They live alone or in monogamous pairs. They breed throughout the year, laying clutches of 1 or 2 eggs. They nest in tree hollows in forests of the Philippine lowlands. They are found on Bohol, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Mindanao and Basilan. They were formerly classified as a subspecies of the Philippine scops owl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Negros scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Negros scops owl, also known as the Visayan scops owl, is an owl, endemic to the islands of Negros and Panay in the Philippines, belonging to the family of the typical owls Strigidae. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the Philippine scops owl. It is threatened by habitat loss and hunting for the pet trade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luzon boobook</span> Species of owl

The Luzon boobook or Luzon hawk-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the Philippines where it lives in forests. It is a brown and white mottled bird and males and females look much alike.

The Mindoro boobook or Mindoro hawk-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae that is endemic to the Philippines.

The Romblon boobook or Romblon hawk-owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae that is endemic to the Philippines. It is only found on the islands of Tablas, Sibuyan and Romblon. It was previously known as a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl, but was reclassified in 2012, as voice and other evidence suggested it was a distinct species. Its natural habitat is tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.

The Sulu boobook or Sulu hawk-owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines. It was previously known as a subspecies of the Philippine hawk-owl, but was reclassified in 2012, as voice and other evidence suggested it was a distinct species. It is found in tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annobón scops owl</span> Species of owl

The Annobón scops owl is an owl endemic to the Equatorial Guinea island of Annobón. The current population is estimated to be around 50-249 individuals, with the population declining due to habitat alteration and destruction. When describing the species in 1903, Tommaso Salvadori noted that the birds were abundant in wooded areas at altitudes of 400–500 metres on the island. Few sightings of the bird have been reported since then.

References

  1. ↑ BirdLife International (2016). "Otus longicornis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2016: e.T22688602A93202286. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22688602A93202286.en . Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ↑ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. 1 2 Sanchez, Michael S. (2013-03-13). "Relative Abundance of the Philippine Scops-Owl Otus megalotis megalotis (Walden) in Marinduque and Mt. Makiling, Philippines". Our Nature. 10 (1): 96–114. doi: 10.3126/on.v10i1.7768 . ISSN   2091-2781.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Holt, Denver W.; Berkley, Regan; Deppe, Caroline; Enríquez, Paula L.; Petersen, Julie L.; Rangel Salazar, José Luis; Segars, Kelley P.; Wood, Kristin L.; Marks, Jeffrey S. (2020-03-04), Billerman, Shawn M.; Keeney, Brooke K.; Rodewald, Paul G.; Schulenberg, Thomas S. (eds.), "Luzon Scops-Owl (Otus longicornis)", Birds of the World, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, doi:10.2173/bow.lusowl1.01 , retrieved 2023-10-19
  5. 1 2 3 4 Marshall, J.T. (1978). "Systematics of Smaller Asian Night Birds Based on Voice". Ornithological Monographs (25): 1–58 – via Searchable Ornithological Research Archive.
  6. 1 2 Bird, Jeremy P.; Martin, Robert; Akçakaya, H. Reşit; Gilroy, James; Burfield, Ian J.; Garnett, Stephen T.; Symes, Andy; Taylor, Joseph; Şekercioğlu, Çağan H.; Butchart, Stuart H. M. (2020). "Generation lengths of the world's birds and their implications for extinction risk". Conservation Biology. 34 (5): 1252–1261. doi:10.1111/cobi.13486. ISSN   0888-8892.
  7. 1 2 Myhrvold, Nathan P.; Baldridge, Elita; Chan, Benjamin; Dhileep Sivam; Freeman, Daniel L.; S. K. Morgan Ernest (2016). "An amniote life-history database to perform comparative analyses with birds, mammals, and reptiles". doi:10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.C.3308127.V1.
  8. ↑ Tobias, Joseph A.; Sheard, Catherine; Pigot, Alex L.; Devenish, Adam J. M.; Yang, Jingyi; Sayol, Ferran; Neate‐Clegg, Montague H. C.; Alioravainen, Nico; Weeks, Thomas L.; Barber, Robert A.; Walkden, Patrick A.; MacGregor, Hannah E. A.; Jones, Samuel E. I.; Vincent, Claire; Phillips, Anna G. (2022). Coulson, Tim (ed.). "AVONET: morphological, ecological and geographical data for all birds". Ecology Letters. 25 (3): 581–597. doi: 10.1111/ele.13898 . ISSN   1461-023X.
  9. ↑ Miranda, Hector C.; Brooks, Daniel M.; Kennedy, Robert S. (2011). "Phylogeny and Taxonomic Review of Philippine Lowland Scops Owls (Strigiformes): Parallel Diversification of Highland and Lowland Clades". The Wilson Journal of Ornithology. 123 (3): 441–453. doi:10.1676/10-185.1. ISSN   1559-4491.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Poulsen, Michael Køie (1995). "The threatened and near-threatened birds of Luzon, Philippines, and the role of the Sierra Madre mountains in their conservation". Bird Conservation International. 5 (1): 79–115. doi: 10.1017/S0959270900002963 . ISSN   0959-2709.
  11. 1 2 3 "Luzon Highland Scops-owl (Otus longicornis) - BirdLife species factsheet". datazone.birdlife.org. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  12. ↑ Oliver, William (2001). "Threatened Birds of the Philippines: The Haribon Foundation/Birdlife International Red Data Book". Oryx. 35 (1): 91–92. doi:10.1046/j.1365-3008.2001.0160b.x. ISSN   0030-6053.
  13. 1 2 3 "Luzon Highland Scops-owl: BirdLife International". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016-10-01. Retrieved 2023-10-19.


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