description Siau Scops Owl Overview
The Siau scops owl is a critically endangered and possibly extinct species of bird in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to Siau Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. The species is known entirely from a single holotype specimen collected in 1866. Extensive targeted surveys in its limited island habitat have failed to record any living individuals, leading biologists to suspect it may already be extinct due to extensive deforestation.
help Siau Scops Owl FAQ
Where does the Siau Scops Owl live?
The Siau Scops Owl is native solely to Siau Island, which is part of the Sangihe Islands regency in Indonesia. It is an endemic species, meaning it is not naturally found anywhere else on Earth.
Why is the Siau Scops Owl critically endangered?
The species is listed as critically endangered primarily because its tiny island habitat has been extensively logged for timber and agriculture. Additionally, its small population is heavily threatened by the introduction of predatory mammals like feral cats.
Has anyone ever seen the Siau Scops Owl recently?
Modern scientists actually know almost nothing about the owl's living habits because it is known entirely from a single holotype specimen collected in the nineteenth century. Extensive night-time searches by ornithologists in recent decades have yielded very few, if any, confirmed sightings.
How big is the Siau Scops Owl?
Based on the single collected museum specimen, the owl is quite small, typical of the Otus scops owl genus. It is characterized by its distinct ear tufts, brownish-grey plumage, and yellow eyes, similar to other closely related island scops owls.
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