Aug 21

Bird of the day

Luzon scops owl

Otus longicornis

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.

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.

There is little information on this species' body mass, but a select few specimens weighed between 82 and 93 grams.

Aliases

Otus longicornis