Owls have long been a fascination to man - to some cultures they a representation of wisdom, while to others they are harbingers of destruction and death. They are beautiful birds which, when seen or heard hooting at dusk, should not cause anyone fear. The reality is that owls are very helpful to us as they are excellent at pest control and a favourite of ornithologists.
Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum)
They have longer tails than most owls, are reddish-brown with a cream coloured belly and have a crown that is lightly streaked (Defenders of Wildlife). Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owls have very small ear tufts and yellow eyes. According to the U.S.A. Endangered Species Act the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl is officially listed as Endangered.
Seychelles Owl (Otus insularis)
About 10 inches high, shy and nocturnal, this relative of the Scops Owl, is known only from Mahe Island in the Seychelles and was believed to have become extinct some thirty years ago. However, a recent sighting confirms that it is still surviving, though evidently in extremely small numbers. Barn Owls have been introduced into the Seychelles and unsuccessful competition with these may be the main cause of its disappearance. This species of owl is now officially a gravely threatened species that is unique to the Seychelles.
Long-Whiskered Owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi)
The species is among the world’s smallest owls and is endemic to a small area in the Andean mountains in Amazonas and San Martín in northern Peru (Avian Web). Its population is estimated to be less than 1,000 birds, and possibly as few as 250. Due to the rapid destruction of its forest habitat and its tiny range, it is inferred that the species is in serious decline.
Turkemanian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo turcomanus)
These owls are found in the wild between Volga and Upper Ural and in western Mongolia. They live in mountainous forest areas, semi-deserts and near rocky slopes. They exist on a diet of large birds, a variety of tiny mammals, newts and tadpoles. In the UK two chicks were born at the Woodlands family park near Dartmouth in 2009 and will remain in captivity.
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Short-eared Owls hunt mainly at night and during the morning and late afternoon. They eat mainly small mammals, but sometimes take birds (The Owl Pages). Because they nest on the ground, they are vulnerable to mammalian predators such as skunks, dog and foxes. Short-eared Owls occur widely in Iceland, The Highlands Scotland, Hawaii, North and South America, in mountainous areas and grasslands. These owls have declined throughout the northeastern United States and consequently are listed as endangered in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. According to the RSPB there are upwards of 1000 breeding pairs in Scotland in the UK.
Sources
- Avian Web. Information retrieved 8th February 2011
- Defenders of Wildlife. Information retrieved 8th February 2011
- McGavin, G (2006) Endangered: Wildlife on the Brink of Extinction. Cassell Illustrated
- The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Information retrieved 8th February 2011
- The Owl Pages. Information retrieved 8th February 2011
Linda Smallwood - Hi my name is Linda Smallwood. I am married with two sons aged 13 and 11 and live in North Wales. After 18 years working for The ...
