Malaita Owl

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Malaita Owl
Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Owls (Strigiformes)
Family : Real owls (Strigidae)
Genre : Bush owls ( Ninox )
Type : Malaita Owl
Scientific name
Ninox malaitae
Mayr , 1931

The Malaitakauz ( Ninox malaitae ) is a little explored owl from the kind of Buschkäuze ( Ninox ). It is often viewed as a subspecies of the Solomon owl ( Ninox jacquinoti ). However, the Handbook of the Birds of the World has supported recognition as a separate species since 2014. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands island of Malaita .

features

The Malaita owl reaches a size of 22 cm. In the two type specimens (an adult male and a not yet fully grown female) the wing length is 164 and 165 mm and the tail length is 84 and 93 mm. The examined female weighed 174 g. The species is somewhat larger and much darker than the Makira Owl ( Ninox roseoaxillaris ) with predominantly reddish-brown plumage. The eyebrows and throat are white. The top is dark brown with reddish-yellow-brown spots and bands. The underside is dark brown with fine white banding. The iris is dark brown to blackish. The feet are dirty yellowish brown. The plumage of juvenile birds is undescribed.

Vocalizations

The reputation is blank. However, it may be deeper than that of the Solomon Owl.

Habitat and way of life

Almost nothing is known about habitat and way of life. The only known samples were collected in April 1930 during the Whitney South Sea Expedition in a wooded habitat at altitudes between 900 and 1200 m.

status

The IUCN classifies the Malaitakauz in the category "endangered" ( vulnerable ). It is described as rare with a population of 2,500 to 10,000 adult birds, but with a decreasing population trend. The species could be threatened by the dwindling lowland forests on Malaita. Research into population size, lifestyle and tolerance to habitat changes is necessary.

literature

  • J. del Hoyo, NJ Collar, DA Christie, A. Elliott, LDC Fishpool: HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Cambridge and Barcelona 2014.
  • G. Dutson: Birds of Melanesia: The Bismarcks, Solomons, Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Christopher Helm, London 2011.
  • H. Mikkola: Owls of the World. A photographic guide. 2nd edition. Firefly Books, Buffalo (New York) 2014.
  • Claus König, Friedhelm Weick, Jan-Hendrik Becking: Owls of the World . 2nd Edition. Christopher Helm, London 2008, ISBN 978-0-7136-6548-2 .
  • E. Mayr: Birds collected during the Whitney South Sea Expedition. Volume 17: The birds of Malaita Island (British Solomon Islands). American Museum novitates, No. 504, 1931, p. 14

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