Rufous fishing owl: Difference between revisions
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| status = VU |
| status = VU |
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| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
| status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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| status_ref = <ref name= |
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2016 |title=''Scotopelia ussheri'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T22689038A93215477 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22689038A93215477.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref> |
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| status2 = CITES_A2 |
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| status2_system = CITES |
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| status2_ref = <ref>{{Cite web|title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|access-date=2022-01-14|website=cites.org}}</ref> |
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| taxon = Scotopelia ussheri |
| taxon = Scotopelia ussheri |
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| authority = [[Richard Bowdler Sharpe|Sharpe]], 1871<ref name = Avibase/> |
| authority = [[Richard Bowdler Sharpe|Sharpe]], 1871<ref name = Avibase/> |
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The '''rufous fishing owl''' (''Scotopelia ussheri''), '''rufous-backed fishing-owl''' or '''Ussher's fishing owl''', is a species of [[owl]] in the family [[Strigidae]].<ref name = Avibase>{{cite web | url = http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=F07B8BD12A85D96B | title = Rufous Fishing-Owl ''Scotopelia ussheri'' Sharpe, 1871 | accessdate = 28 October 2016 | publisher = Denis Lepage|work = Avibase}}</ref> It is endemic to west Africa, where it is a highly localised resident along forest rivers. |
The '''rufous fishing owl''' ('''''Scotopelia ussheri'''''), '''rufous-backed fishing-owl''' or '''Ussher's fishing owl''', is a species of [[owl]] in the family [[Strigidae]].<ref name = Avibase>{{cite web | url = http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?avibaseid=F07B8BD12A85D96B | title = Rufous Fishing-Owl ''Scotopelia ussheri'' Sharpe, 1871 | accessdate = 28 October 2016 | publisher = Denis Lepage|work = Avibase}}</ref> It is endemic to west Africa, where it is a highly localised resident along forest rivers.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> |
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==Taxonomy== |
==Taxonomy== |
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English naturalist [[Richard Bowdler Sharpe]] described the rufous fishing owl in 1871. It is one of three species in the genus ''[[Scotopelia]]''.<ref name = Avibase/> It is named after [[Herbert Taylor Ussher]] who provided the [[type specimen]] Sharpe used in his [[species description|description]].<ref name="Sharpe1">{{cite journal |last1=Sharpe |first1=Richard Bowdler |author-link1=Richard Bowdler Sharpe |journal=Ibis |title=Descriptions of Two New Species of African Birds |date=January 1871 |volume=13 |issue=1 | |
English naturalist [[Richard Bowdler Sharpe]] described the rufous fishing owl in 1871. It is one of three species in the genus ''[[Scotopelia]]''.<ref name = Avibase/> It is named after [[Herbert Taylor Ussher]] who provided the [[type specimen]] Sharpe used in his [[species description|description]].<ref name="Sharpe1">{{cite journal |last1=Sharpe |first1=Richard Bowdler |author-link1=Richard Bowdler Sharpe |journal=Ibis |title=Descriptions of Two New Species of African Birds |date=January 1871 |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=100–102 |url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8587596#page/128/mode/1up }}</ref><ref name="Sharpe2">{{cite journal |title=On Seven New or Lately Described Species of African Birds |first=Richard Bowdler |last=Sharpe |author-link=Richard Bowdler Sharpe |journal=Ibis |volume=13 |issue=4 |pages=414–417 |date=October 1871 |url=https://archive.org/details/cbarchive_135536_newafricanbirds1859/}}</ref> |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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The rufous fishing owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring {{convert|46|to|51|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length. This is substantially smaller than the [[Pel's fishing owl]], which also occurs in the region.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Monticellia|first=David|last2=Koromab|first2=Alusein P.|last3=Bannah|first3=Denis|date=2015|title=Observations of Rufous Fishing Owl Scotopelia ussheri in Sierra Leone|url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Monticelli-2/publication/281632427_Observations_of_Rufous_Fishing_Owl_Scotopelia_ussheri_in_Sierra_Leone/links/55f15a1808aef559dc470b24/Observations-of-Rufous-Fishing-Owl-Scotopelia-ussheri-in-Sierra-Leone.pdf|journal=[[Bulletin of the African Bird Club]]|volume=22|issue=2|pages= |
The rufous fishing owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring {{convert|46|to|51|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length. This is substantially smaller than the [[Pel's fishing owl]], which also occurs in the region.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Monticellia|first=David|last2=Koromab|first2=Alusein P.|last3=Bannah|first3=Denis|date=2015|title=Observations of Rufous Fishing Owl Scotopelia ussheri in Sierra Leone|url=https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Monticelli-2/publication/281632427_Observations_of_Rufous_Fishing_Owl_Scotopelia_ussheri_in_Sierra_Leone/links/55f15a1808aef559dc470b24/Observations-of-Rufous-Fishing-Owl-Scotopelia-ussheri-in-Sierra-Leone.pdf|journal=[[Bulletin of the African Bird Club]]|volume=22|issue=2|pages=183–189}}</ref> It lacks ear tufts and has an indistinct, pale cinnamon facial disc.<ref name="Owls">{{cite book|last1=König|first1=Claus|title=Owls A Guide to the Owls of the World|last2=Weick|first2=Friedhelm|last3=Becking|first3=Jan-Hendrick|publisher=Pica Press|year=1999|ISBN=1-873403-74-7|pages=315–316}}</ref> The underparts are pale and are finely streaked due to the dark shafts of the majority of the feathers. The flanks may have a more rufous patch.<ref name=":0" /> The adults have barred [[flight feather]]s, with the upperparts of the wings (mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts) showing a mixture of rufous, creamy-buff and white. The mantle also has a few blackish marks.<ref name=":0" /> |
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While being substantially smaller, the juveniles have similar markings to the adults, particularly in their wings. The first-generation feathers, however, tend to be paler than those grown after the first [[Moulting|moult]], particularly on the underparts. Young birds may also appear stumpier, presumably due to their denser, fluffier feathers.<ref name=":0" /> |
While being substantially smaller, the juveniles have similar markings to the adults, particularly in their wings. The first-generation feathers, however, tend to be paler than those grown after the first [[Moulting|moult]], particularly on the underparts. Young birds may also appear stumpier, presumably due to their denser, fluffier feathers.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The feet and legs are bare and are yellowish-orange in colour. The bill is bluish grey, contrasting with a yellowish [[Beak|cere]].<ref name=":0" /> |
The feet and legs are bare and are yellowish-orange in colour. The bill is bluish grey, contrasting with a yellowish [[Beak|cere]].<ref name=":0" /> |
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Their call is a low, deep, moaning <ref name="Owls" /> or dove-like hoot.<ref name=":0" /> It may be repeated at regular intervals (about 15–20 seconds) for at least an hour.<ref name=":0" /> Pairs may also duet.<ref name=" |
Their call is a low, deep, moaning <ref name="Owls" /> or dove-like hoot.<ref name=":0" /> It may be repeated at regular intervals (about 15–20 seconds) for at least an hour.<ref name=":0" /> Pairs may also duet.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> A study carried out in Ivory Coast showed that the best responses to playback experiments occur in the small rainy season during the full moon.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ahon|first=Dibié Bernard|last2=Rondeau|first2=Guy|date=2008|title=Distribution, conservation status and sensitivity to playback of the Rufous Fishing Owl Scotopelia ussheri in the coastal forest zone of Ivory Coast.|url=http://malimbus.free.fr/articles/V30/Malimbus30-2-2008-134-144.pdf|journal=Malimbus|volume=30|pages=134–144}}</ref> |
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==Distribution and habitat == |
==Distribution and habitat == |
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The rufous fishing owl is [[endemism|endemic]] to west Africa. It is found in [[Ivory Coast]], [[Ghana]], [[Guinea]], [[Liberia]], and [[Sierra Leone]], where it occurs as a highly localised resident along shady river banks. Its natural [[habitat]]s are subtropical or tropical moist lowland [[forest]]s and subtropical or tropical [[mangrove]] forests |
The rufous fishing owl is [[endemism|endemic]] to west Africa. It is found in [[Ivory Coast]], [[Ghana]], [[Guinea]], [[Liberia]], and [[Sierra Leone]], where it occurs as a highly localised resident along shady river banks. Its natural [[habitat]]s are subtropical or tropical moist lowland [[forest]]s and subtropical or tropical [[mangrove]] forests.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> |
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Although it lives in close proximity to the Pel's fishing owl, it has been suggested that they utilise the habitat differently. While the Pel's fishing owl is primarily found near larger, deeper water bodies, the rufous fishing owl seems to show a preference for smaller, shallower rivers |
Although it lives in close proximity to the Pel's fishing owl, it has been suggested that they utilise the habitat differently. While the Pel's fishing owl is primarily found near larger, deeper water bodies, the rufous fishing owl seems to show a preference for smaller, shallower rivers.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Klop|first=Eric|last2=Lindsell|first2=Jeremy A|last3=Siaka|first3=Alhaji M|date=2010|title=The birds of Gola Forest and Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone|url=http://ww2.rspb.org.uk/Images/klop_linsell_siaka_2010_tcm9-256739.pdf|journal=Malimbus|volume=32|pages=33–58}}</ref> This may help explain why it has also been found in secondary forest, such as that near Kambama village,<ref name=":0" /> as long as there is suitable gallery forest where tree branches overhang the streams to provide fishing posts. It has also been observed to occur in plantations, suggesting that it may be more adaptable than previously believed.{{citation needed|date=July 2021}} |
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==Behaviour == |
==Behaviour == |
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The habits of the rufous fishing owl are poorly known. It is believed that, like other fishing owls, this species is probably mainly nocturnal. Diurnal activity has, however, been rarely observed. An individual was camera |
The habits of the rufous fishing owl are poorly known. It is believed that, like other fishing owls, this species is probably mainly nocturnal. Diurnal activity has, however, been rarely observed. An individual was imaged in a [[camera trap]] in 2009 in Sierra Leone at midday.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> Daytime hunting, however, has yet to be seen, suggesting that nocturnal behaviours are more common.<ref name=":0" /> |
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=== Diet === |
=== Diet === |
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It is thought to mainly eat small fish. |
It is thought to mainly eat small fish.<ref name=":0" /> Catfish were also recorded in the stomach contents of a specimen from Sierra Leone. It may also feed [[freshwater crab]]s among other food items.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> |
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=== Breeding === |
=== Breeding === |
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Eggs have been laid in Sierra Leone in September and October and juveniles moulting out of juvenile into adult plumage, roughly six months after fledging, have been recorded in Liberia in July. It is thought that a single chick is the normal brood size.<ref name="Owls" /> |
Eggs have been laid in Sierra Leone in September and October and juveniles moulting out of juvenile into adult plumage, roughly six months after fledging, have been recorded in Liberia in July. It is thought that a single chick is the normal brood size.<ref name="Owls" /> |
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==Status and conservation== |
==Status and conservation== |
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It was formerly classified as [[endangered]] by the IUCN, however newer research showed that it is not as rare as was once believed. Consequently, it was downlisted to [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]] in 2011. |
It was formerly classified as [[endangered]] by the IUCN, however newer research showed that it is not as rare as was once believed. Consequently, it was downlisted to [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]] in 2011.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> That being said, this species remains one of the rarest and least known owls species in the world and populations remain fragmented and continue to decline due to [[habitat loss]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Taxonbar|from=Q963383}} |
{{Taxonbar|from=Q963383}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:owl, fishing, rufous}} |
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[[Category:Scotopelia|rufous fishing owl]] |
[[Category:Scotopelia|rufous fishing owl]] |
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[[Category:Birds of West Africa]] |
[[Category:Birds of West Africa]] |
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Latest revision as of 22:20, 25 October 2022
| Rufous fishing owl | |
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Scotopelia |
| Species: | S. ussheri
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| Binomial name | |
| Scotopelia ussheri | |
The rufous fishing owl (Scotopelia ussheri), rufous-backed fishing-owl or Ussher's fishing owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae.[3] It is endemic to west Africa, where it is a highly localised resident along forest rivers.[1]
Taxonomy
[edit]English naturalist Richard Bowdler Sharpe described the rufous fishing owl in 1871. It is one of three species in the genus Scotopelia.[3] It is named after Herbert Taylor Ussher who provided the type specimen Sharpe used in his description.[4][5]
Description
[edit]The rufous fishing owl is a medium-sized owl, measuring 46 to 51 cm (18 to 20 in) in length. This is substantially smaller than the Pel's fishing owl, which also occurs in the region.[6] It lacks ear tufts and has an indistinct, pale cinnamon facial disc.[7] The underparts are pale and are finely streaked due to the dark shafts of the majority of the feathers. The flanks may have a more rufous patch.[6] The adults have barred flight feathers, with the upperparts of the wings (mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts) showing a mixture of rufous, creamy-buff and white. The mantle also has a few blackish marks.[6]
While being substantially smaller, the juveniles have similar markings to the adults, particularly in their wings. The first-generation feathers, however, tend to be paler than those grown after the first moult, particularly on the underparts. Young birds may also appear stumpier, presumably due to their denser, fluffier feathers.[6]
The feet and legs are bare and are yellowish-orange in colour. The bill is bluish grey, contrasting with a yellowish cere.[6]
Their call is a low, deep, moaning [7] or dove-like hoot.[6] It may be repeated at regular intervals (about 15–20 seconds) for at least an hour.[6] Pairs may also duet.[1] A study carried out in Ivory Coast showed that the best responses to playback experiments occur in the small rainy season during the full moon.[8]
Distribution and habitat
[edit]The rufous fishing owl is endemic to west Africa. It is found in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, where it occurs as a highly localised resident along shady river banks. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.[1]
Although it lives in close proximity to the Pel's fishing owl, it has been suggested that they utilise the habitat differently. While the Pel's fishing owl is primarily found near larger, deeper water bodies, the rufous fishing owl seems to show a preference for smaller, shallower rivers.[9] This may help explain why it has also been found in secondary forest, such as that near Kambama village,[6] as long as there is suitable gallery forest where tree branches overhang the streams to provide fishing posts. It has also been observed to occur in plantations, suggesting that it may be more adaptable than previously believed.[citation needed]
Behaviour
[edit]The habits of the rufous fishing owl are poorly known. It is believed that, like other fishing owls, this species is probably mainly nocturnal. Diurnal activity has, however, been rarely observed. An individual was imaged in a camera trap in 2009 in Sierra Leone at midday.[1] Daytime hunting, however, has yet to be seen, suggesting that nocturnal behaviours are more common.[6]
Diet
[edit]It is thought to mainly eat small fish.[6] Catfish were also recorded in the stomach contents of a specimen from Sierra Leone. It may also feed freshwater crabs among other food items.[1]
Breeding
[edit]Eggs have been laid in Sierra Leone in September and October and juveniles moulting out of juvenile into adult plumage, roughly six months after fledging, have been recorded in Liberia in July. It is thought that a single chick is the normal brood size.[7]
Status and conservation
[edit]It was formerly classified as endangered by the IUCN, however newer research showed that it is not as rare as was once believed. Consequently, it was downlisted to vulnerable in 2011.[1] That being said, this species remains one of the rarest and least known owls species in the world and populations remain fragmented and continue to decline due to habitat loss.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h BirdLife International (2016). "Scotopelia ussheri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22689038A93215477. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22689038A93215477.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- ^ a b c "Rufous Fishing-Owl Scotopelia ussheri Sharpe, 1871". Avibase. Denis Lepage. Retrieved 28 October 2016.
- ^ Sharpe, Richard Bowdler (January 1871). "Descriptions of Two New Species of African Birds". Ibis. 13 (1): 100–102.
- ^ Sharpe, Richard Bowdler (October 1871). "On Seven New or Lately Described Species of African Birds". Ibis. 13 (4): 414–417.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Monticellia, David; Koromab, Alusein P.; Bannah, Denis (2015). "Observations of Rufous Fishing Owl Scotopelia ussheri in Sierra Leone" (PDF). Bulletin of the African Bird Club. 22 (2): 183–189.
- ^ a b c König, Claus; Weick, Friedhelm; Becking, Jan-Hendrick (1999). Owls A Guide to the Owls of the World. Pica Press. pp. 315–316. ISBN 1-873403-74-7.
- ^ Ahon, Dibié Bernard; Rondeau, Guy (2008). "Distribution, conservation status and sensitivity to playback of the Rufous Fishing Owl Scotopelia ussheri in the coastal forest zone of Ivory Coast" (PDF). Malimbus. 30: 134–144.
- ^ Klop, Eric; Lindsell, Jeremy A; Siaka, Alhaji M (2010). "The birds of Gola Forest and Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone" (PDF). Malimbus. 32: 33–58.