Enggano scops owl
| Enggano scops owl | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Strigiformes |
| Family: | Strigidae |
| Genus: | Otus |
| Species: | O. enganensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Otus enganensis Riley, 1927 | |
The Enggano scops owl (Otus enganensis) is an owl endemic to Enggano Island, Indonesia.
Morphology
The Enggano scops owl is a chestnut colored owl with lighter areas on the throat and cheeks and a whitish "X" on the face[3] It is similar in appearance to the Simeulue scops owl (Otus umbra), with a large bill and white barring on the flanks. It is slightly smaller that the Oriental scops owl (Otus sunia).[3] The wingspan of the type specimen measured 14.2cm.[4]
Distribution and behavior
The Enggano scops owl exclusively inhabits Enggano island in Indonesia. It is found in forests and at forest edges. It has a deep and throaty call.[3]
Description and taxonomy

The Enggano scops owl was described by the American ornithologist Joseph Harvey Riley in 1927 based on a museum specimen. It was initially described as a subspecies of the Simeulue scops owl, Otus umbra[4] but is now considered to be a distinct species. The type specimen is held at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.[5]
Human interactions
During an avian survey conducted on Enggano Island in 2020 local villagers were asked about the use of the island's bird species. The Enggano scops owl was not one of the species hunted by locals.[6]
External links
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2023). "Otus enganensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023 e.T22724390A226422700. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T22724390A226422700.en.
- ↑ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
- 1 2 3 "Enggano Scops-Owl - eBird". ebird.org. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Retrieved 2026-07-05.
- 1 2 Riley, J. H. (30 June 1927). "Description of a New Owl from Engano Island". Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington. 40: 93–94.
- ↑ "Record Otus umbra enganensis Riley | Collections Search Center, Smithsonian Institution". collections.si.edu. Retrieved 2026-07-05.
- ↑ Iqbal, Muhammad; Kuswanto, Adi; Jarulis, Jarulis; Rifki, Istiya (2020-09-25). "Notes on a visit to Enggano Island, Sumatra, Indonesia, in early 2020". BirdingAsia. 33: 13–16.
