Lesser Antilles Barn Owl
| Lesser Antilles Barn Owl | ||||||||||||
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Tyto insularis | ||||||||||||
| ( Pelzeln , 1872) |
The Lesser Antilles barn owl ( Tyto insularis ) is a species of the barn owl genus, which occurs in two subspecies only in the Lesser Antilles . It has long been considered a subspecies of the barn owl , but is viewed as an independent species in more recent literature. It is still widespread in the Lesser Antilles, but as an endemic species, its population is particularly threatened by habitat destruction and the use of pesticides . Little is known about their way of life, but the main behavioral characteristics correspond to the barn owl.
features
The Lesser Antilles barn owl is similar to the barn owl, but it is significantly darker and smaller than the American barn owl . The body size varies between 27 and 33 centimeters; the weight averages 260 grams. The legs are long and have feathers that reach almost to the toes. The feathers at the lower end of the legs are more bristly than soft. The top of the body and the wings are tinged with dark gray and have fine, white spots.
The species predominantly lives in open land that is loosely covered with trees and shrubs.
The nominate form is Tyto insularis insularis ; it occurs on several islands in the Lesser Antilles. The subspecies T. i. nigrescens is limited to the island of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles. Very little is known about reproductive biology. Clutches have so far been found in September. Young birds have been observed in Dominica in April.
Single receipts
literature
- Claus König , Friedhelm Weick: Owls of the World . Christopher Helm, London 2008, ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2