Otus jolandae
The Rinjani Scops Owl, Otus jolandae, is a captivating small owl, an island endemic to Lombok, Indonesia, formally described as a distinct species as recently as 2013. Averaging around 20 cm (8 inches) in length and weighing about 100 grams, its cryptic plumage offers superb camouflage within its forest habitat, featuring mottled patterns of brown, rufous, and buff that help it blend seamlessly into tree bark. Distinctive field marks include its relatively small but noticeable ear tufts and s...
Found primarily in montane and submontane primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and occasionally disturbed areas or plantations, typically at elevations between 250 and 1,600 meters on Lombok Island.
Feeds predominantly on large insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, occasionally supplementing its diet with small vertebrates like geckos or frogs. Foraging occurs by perching and swooping or gleaning from vegetation.
A strictly nocturnal hunter, the Rinjani Scops Owl roosts cryptically during daylight hours amidst dense foliage, often close to tree trunks. Its foraging strategy is typical for scops owls: it perches patiently, scanning for prey, then sallies out to snatch insects in flight or gleans them from ...
The Rinjani Scops Owl is an obligate resident endemic exclusively to Lombok Island, Indonesia, situated within the Lesser Sunda Islands. Its distribution is tightly concentrated within the montane and submontane forests of Mount Rinjani and its surrounding foothills. Elevational records span from...
Near Threatened
- The Rinjani Scops Owl was only formally described as a new species in 2013, making it one of the newest owl species known to science. - Its species name, `jolandae`, was given in honor of Jolanda Lux, the daughter of its primary describer, ornithologist George Sangster. - The key to its initial...