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{{Short description|Species of owl}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2016 |title=''Otus senegalensis'' |volume=2016 |page=e.T61914670A95183137 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T61914670A95183137.en |access-date=12 November 2021}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name = IUCN>{{cite web | url = http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/61914670/0 | title = Otus senegalensis | accessdate = 30 October 2016 | publisher = [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]]|work = The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species}}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A2
| status2_system = CITES
| 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>
| image = African-scops owl (Otus senegalensis) male.jpg
| image = African-scops owl (Otus senegalensis) male.jpg
| image_caption = Roosting at [[Lake Baringo]], [[Kenya]]
| image_caption = Roosting at [[Lake Baringo]], [[Kenya]]
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}}
}}


The '''African scops owl''' (''[[Scops owl|Otus]] senegalensis'') is a small [[owl]] which is widespread in [[sub-Saharan]] [[Africa]].
The '''African scops owl''' ('''''Otus senegalensis''''') is a small [[owl]] which is widespread in [[sub-Saharan]] [[Africa]].
[[File:Owl African Scops 2015 06 02 17 42 23 6156.jpg|right|thumb|An African scops owl in the Zululand Rhino Reserve]]
[[File:Owl African Scops 2015 06 02 17 42 23 6156.jpg|right|thumb|An African scops owl in the [[Manyoni Private Game Reserve|Zululand Rhino Reserve]]]]


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
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*''Otus senegalensis senegalensis'': Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa
*''Otus senegalensis senegalensis'': Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa
*''Otus senegalensis nivosus'': Found in south-eastern Kenya from the lower [[Tana River (Kenya)|Tana River]] to the [[Lali Hills]]
*''Otus senegalensis nivosus'': Found in south-eastern Kenya from the lower [[Tana River (Kenya)|Tana River]] to the [[Lali Hills]]
*''Otus senegalensis feae'': Endemic to [[Annobon]] island in the [[Gulf of Guinea]] (regarded by [[Birdlife International]] as a separate species, the [[Annobon scops owl]])<ref name = Feae>{{cite web | url = http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/factsheet/61915272 | title = Annobon Scops-owl Otus feae | accessdate = 30 October 2016 | publisher = Birdlife International}}</ref>
*''Otus senegalensis feae'': Endemic to [[Annobón]] island in the [[Gulf of Guinea]] (regarded by [[Birdlife International]] as a separate species, the [[Annobón scops owl]])<ref name = Feae>{{cite web | url = http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/factsheet/61915272 | title = Annobon Scops-owl Otus feae | accessdate = 30 October 2016 | publisher = Birdlife International}}</ref>


The African scops owl was formerly regarded as the African [[subspecies]] of the [[Eurasian scops owl|scops owl]]. It was grouped with the [[Arabian scops owl]], [[Socotra scops owl]], and the Annobon scops owl into ''Otus senegalensis''; however these species are now considered to be separate.<ref name = IUCN/>
The African scops owl was formerly regarded as the African [[subspecies]] of the [[Eurasian scops owl|European scops owl]]. It was grouped with the [[Arabian scops owl]], [[Socotra scops owl]], and the Annobón scops owl into ''Otus senegalensis''; however, these species are now considered to be separate.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />


==Description==
==Description==
The African scops owl is a small owl, measuring {{convert|17|cm|abbr=on}} in length. It is typically greyish-brown, though sometimes pale rufous or warmer brown, and is cryptically marked with streaks and mottling. Its grey facial disk has a narrow black edge, and its eyes are yellow. It has ear tufts, which are generally kept lowered unless the bird is disturbed.<ref name = "Stevenson"/> The African scops owl is around {{convert|15|–|17|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length with a wingspan of {{convert|45|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name = Kemp/>
The African scops owl is a small owl, measuring {{convert|17|cm|abbr=on}} in length. It is typically greyish-brown, though sometimes pale rufous or warmer brown, and is cryptically marked with streaks and mottling. Its grey facial disk has a narrow black edge, and its eyes are yellow. It has ear-tufts, which are generally kept lowered unless the bird is disturbed.<ref name = "Stevenson"/> The African scops owl is around {{convert|15|–|17|cm|in|abbr=on}} in length with a wingspan of {{convert|45|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name = Kemp/>


===Voice===
===Voice===
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===Similar species===
===Similar species===
The migrant [[Eurasian scops owl]] is very similar to the African scops owl; though it averages slightly larger, it may not be distinguishable in the field.<ref name = "Stevenson">{{cite book | title = Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi | first1 = Terry | last1 = Stevenson | first2 = John | last2 = Fanshawe | year = 2002 | location = London, UK | publisher = TD & A Poyser | page = 200 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=jcN1OCKC-bQC&pg=PA20 | isbn = 0-85661-079-8}}</ref>
The migrant [[Eurasian scops owl]] is very similar to the African scops owl; while it is typically slightly larger, it may not be distinguishable in the field.<ref name = "Stevenson">{{cite book | title = Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi | first1 = Terry | last1 = Stevenson | first2 = John | last2 = Fanshawe | year = 2002 | location = London, UK | publisher = TD & A Poyser | page = 200 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=jcN1OCKC-bQC&pg=PA20 | isbn = 0-85661-079-8}}</ref>


==Range and habitat==
==Range and habitat==
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==Behaviour==
==Behaviour==
The African scops owl is strictly nocturnal. During the day, it perches close to the trunk of a tree.<ref name = "Barlow"/> When roosting in daylight, this species closes its eyes and extends its ear tufts to give the impression of a tree branch, making it easily overlooked. Pairs sometimes roost together.<ref name = Owls>{{cite book | last1 = König | first1 = Claus | last2 = Weick | first2 = Friedhelm | last3 = Becking | first3 = Jan-Hendrick | year = 1999 | title = Owls A Guide to the Owls of the World | pages = 231–232 | publisher = Pica Press | ISBN = 1-873403-74-7}}</ref> The African scops owl is not as territorial as the Eurasian scops owl and will nest in loose aggregations, with the nest sites relatively close to each other.<ref name = Owls/>
The African scops owl is strictly nocturnal. During the day, it perches close to the trunk of a tree.<ref name = "Barlow"/> When roosting in daylight, this species closes its eyes and extends its ear-tufts to give the impression of a tree branch, making it easily overlooked. Pairs sometimes roost together.<ref name = Owls>{{cite book | last1 = König | first1 = Claus | last2 = Weick | first2 = Friedhelm | last3 = Becking | first3 = Jan-Hendrick | year = 1999 | title = Owls A Guide to the Owls of the World | pages = 231–232 | publisher = Pica Press | ISBN = 1-873403-74-7}}</ref> The African scops owl is not as territorial as the Eurasian scops owl and will nest in loose aggregations, with the nest sites relatively close to each other.<ref name = Owls/>


The male and female may duet, calling all night both before and after leaving the roost site. The African scops owl lays four to six eggs directly onto the floor of a [[tree hollow]], with laying occurring throughout April and June. Incubation lasts about 27 days, during which the female incubates the eggs and is fed by the male. Once the eggs hatch the young are fed by the female from food brought by the male.<ref name = Owls/> The young fledge in 30 days.<ref name = "König">{{cite book | title = Owls of the World | first1 = Claus | last1 = König | first2 = Friedhelm | last2 = Weick | year = 2008 | publisher = Christopher Helm | location = London, UK | page = 256 | isbn = 978-0-7136-6548-2 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Rnz1c8olgWcC&pg=PA256}}</ref>
The male and female may duet, calling all night both before and after leaving the roost site. The African scops owl lays four to six eggs directly onto the floor of a [[tree hollow]], with laying occurring throughout April and June. Incubation lasts about 27 days, during which the female incubates the eggs and is fed by the male. Once the eggs hatch the young are fed by the female with food brought by the male.<ref name = Owls/> The young fledge in 30 days.<ref name = "König">{{cite book | title = Owls of the World | first1 = Claus | last1 = König | first2 = Friedhelm | last2 = Weick | year = 2008 | publisher = Christopher Helm | location = London, UK | page = 256 | isbn = 978-0-7136-6548-2 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=Rnz1c8olgWcC&pg=PA256}}</ref>


The prey of the African scops owl is mainly insects such as [[grasshopper]]s, [[beetle]]s, [[Cricket (insect)|cricket]]s, [[moth]]s etc. but also [[spider]]s, [[scorpion]]s and small [[vertebrate]]s. They normally hunt by scanning or listening from a perch and swooping down to capture prey on the ground, but will hawk for flying insects.<ref name = Owls/>
The prey of the African scops owl is mainly insects such as [[grasshopper]]s, [[beetle]]s, [[Cricket (insect)|cricket]]s, [[moth]]s etc. but also [[spider]]s, [[scorpion]]s and small [[vertebrate]]s. They normally hunt by scanning or listening from a perch and swooping down to capture prey on the ground, but will hawk for flying insects.<ref name = Owls/>
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Otus senegalensis|''Otus senegalensis''}}
{{Commons category|Otus senegalensis|''Otus senegalensis''}}
* African Scops Owl - [http://sabap2.adu.org.za/docs/sabap1/396.pdf Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds].
* African Scops Owl - [http://sabap2.adu.org.za/docs/sabap1/396.pdf Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds].
* [http://ibc.lynxeds.com/species/african-scops-owl-otus-senegalensis African Scops-Owl (Otus senegalensis)] videos and photos at Internet Bird Collection
* [http://ibc.lynxeds.com/species/african-scops-owl-otus-senegalensis African Scops-Owl (Otus senegalensis)] videos and photos at Internet Bird Collection


{{Taxonbar}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1270188}}


⚫
[[Category:Otus (bird)|African scops owl]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:owl, scops, African}}
[[Category:Otus|African scops owl]]
[[Category:Birds of Africa]]
[[Category:Birds of Africa|African scops owl]]
[[Category:Owls of Sub-Saharan Africa]]
⚫
[[Category:Birds of Sub-Saharan Africa|African scops owl]]
[[Category:Birds of Southern Africa]]
[[Category:Birds of Southern Africa]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1837|African scope owl]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1837|African scope owl]]

Latest revision as of 05:16, 7 December 2024

African scops owl
Roosting at Lake Baringo, Kenya
Calls recorded in Samburu
National Reserve, Kenya
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
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 which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.

An African scops owl in the Zululand Rhino Reserve

Taxonomy

[edit]

William John Swainson first described the species in 1837 from a specimen collected in Senegal, and initially assigned it to the now defunct genus Scops.[3] Today the species is assigned to the genus Otus.

There are three subspecies currently recognised:[4]

The African scops owl was formerly regarded as the African subspecies of the European scops owl. It was grouped with the Arabian scops owl, Socotra scops owl, and the Annobón scops owl into Otus senegalensis; however, these species are now considered to be separate.[1]

Description

[edit]

The African scops owl is a small owl, measuring 17 cm (6.7 in) in length. It is typically greyish-brown, though sometimes pale rufous or warmer brown, and is cryptically marked with streaks and mottling. Its grey facial disk has a narrow black edge, and its eyes are yellow. It has ear-tufts, which are generally kept lowered unless the bird is disturbed.[6] The African scops owl is around 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length with a wingspan of 45 cm (18 in).[7]

Voice

[edit]

The African scops owl gives a monotonous quivering distinctive "prrrp" at five second intervals.[7]

Similar species

[edit]

The migrant Eurasian scops owl is very similar to the African scops owl; while it is typically slightly larger, it may not be distinguishable in the field.[6]

Range and habitat

[edit]

The African scops owl is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa.[3] It ranges from sea level to 2,000 m (6,600 ft) in elevation, and is found in wooded habitats and forest edge,[6] including in gardens and mangroves.[8]

Behaviour

[edit]

The African scops owl is strictly nocturnal. During the day, it perches close to the trunk of a tree.[8] When roosting in daylight, this species closes its eyes and extends its ear-tufts to give the impression of a tree branch, making it easily overlooked. Pairs sometimes roost together.[9] The African scops owl is not as territorial as the Eurasian scops owl and will nest in loose aggregations, with the nest sites relatively close to each other.[9]

The male and female may duet, calling all night both before and after leaving the roost site. The African scops owl lays four to six eggs directly onto the floor of a tree hollow, with laying occurring throughout April and June. Incubation lasts about 27 days, during which the female incubates the eggs and is fed by the male. Once the eggs hatch the young are fed by the female with food brought by the male.[9] The young fledge in 30 days.[3]

The prey of the African scops owl is mainly insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, moths etc. but also spiders, scorpions and small vertebrates. They normally hunt by scanning or listening from a perch and swooping down to capture prey on the ground, but will hawk for flying insects.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b BirdLife International (2016). "Otus senegalensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T61914670A95183137. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T61914670A95183137.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. ^ a b c König, Claus; Weick, Friedhelm (2008). Owls of the World. London, UK: Christopher Helm. p. 256. ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2.
  4. ^ "African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis (Swainson, 1837)". Avibase. denis Lepage. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  5. ^ "Annobon Scops-owl Otus feae". Birdlife International. Retrieved 30 October 2016.
  6. ^ a b c Stevenson, Terry; Fanshawe, John (2002). Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi. London, UK: TD & A Poyser. p. 200. ISBN 0-85661-079-8.
  7. ^ a b Kemp, Alan; Kemp, Meg (1998). SASOL Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands. New Holland. pp. 288–289. ISBN 1 85974 100 2.
  8. ^ a b Barlow, Clive; Wacher, Tim (1997). A Field Guide to Birds of The Gambia and Senegal. New Haven, CT, US: Yale University Press. p. 236. ISBN 0-300-11574-1.
  9. ^ a b c d König, Claus; Weick, Friedhelm; Becking, Jan-Hendrick (1999). Owls A Guide to the Owls of the World. Pica Press. pp. 231–232. ISBN 1-873403-74-7.
[edit]
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