| Mindoro scops owl | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Clade: | Dinosauria |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Otus |
| Species: | O. mindorensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Otus mindorensis (Whitehead, 1899) | |
Habitat: The Mindoro scops owl (Otus mindorensis) is an owl that is native to the Mindoro island in the Philippines. They live in a terrestrial environment and their main habitat consists of the highly elevated forests with a very small global range [3] Meaning they do not migrate or have movement patterns. The ongoing clearance of forest habitats has slightly affected their habitat. [3] As of October 1, 2016, the Mindoro Scops Owl species has been labeled to be a newly threatened species, or critically endangered species. [4] For instance, the Montane forest has been almost completely cleared out by logging operations, which may pose a threat to this species. [4]
Population: The Mindoro scop owl is a near threatened species due to on-going habitat destruction, causing a decreasing population trend with a ripe number of 10,000-19,999 mature individuals. [4] However, their total population equates to about 15,000-29,000 individuals. The continuing decline of mature individuals is unknown and the population is not severely fragmented. There is only one subpopulation with about 10,000- 19999 individuals.
Identification: The Mindoro Scop Owls are amongst the smallest owls in existence – second only to the tiny Elf Owls. [5] They only measure in between 6.5 – 12 inches (16.5 – 30 cm) in length [5] They have bright neon yellow eyes and short ear tufts that aid them in locating prey. [6] While their small bodies are dark brown with a speckled pattern, their face and chest are a light brown. [6] Their coloring specifically helps them appear as camouflage to predators or prey. [5] Mindoro Scop Owls also have the ability to stretch their bodies in a way that appears leaner. They sway back and forth to look as if they are a tree branch moving in a breeze [5]
Diet: The Mindoro Scop Owl’s diet mostly consists of bugs and insects, however, there is no published quantitative data; information measured by numerical variables, to prove this [7] or the amount consumed. They also consume small birds or small mammals such as bats, mice, earthworms, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates [5]
Behavior: The Mindoro Scop Owls communicate with one another in a high pitched whistle call that rises or falls in repeated intervals. [6] The male calls include a soft “po-wo” or “wo-wo” that lasts about .5 second with repeated intervals of 8–10 seconds. [7] Their call is in response to another Mindoro Scop Owl. [6]
Reproduction: Specimen collected in the year 1896 reports that Mindoro Scop Owls have well developed eggs within the months of January and May. [7] Their eggs and nests are not described. [7]
