Otus tempestatis
The Wetar Scops Owl, Otus tempestatis, is a recently recognized small owl endemic to Wetar Island, Indonesia, and potentially nearby smaller islands. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm in length, it exhibits two primary morphs: a rufous-brown and a greyer-brown, both intricately camouflaged with dark streaking and vermiculations, making it exceptionally cryptic against tree bark. Its relatively indistinct facial disc and small, often barely visible ear tufts further aid in its concealment. Yell...
Found in primary and secondary monsoon forests, as well as degraded woodlands and areas near human settlements, typically from lowlands up to at least 1,200 meters elevation.
Feeds predominantly on large nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, with occasional supplementation from small vertebrates like geckos or lizards, captured via ambush predation.
A strictly nocturnal hunter, the Wetar Scops Owl typically roosts silently during the day amidst dense foliage or tree cavities, relying heavily on its cryptic plumage for concealment. Foraging primarily involves a 'perch-and-pounce' strategy, where it waits patiently from an elevated perch befor...
The Wetar Scops Owl is strictly endemic to Wetar Island, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia, located north of Timor. There is also a possibility of its occurrence on nearby Romang Island, but this requires further confirmation. It inhabits the island's forested regions from sea level up...
Data Deficient
- The Wetar Scops Owl was only formally described as a distinct species in 2021, having previously been considered part of the Moluccan Scops Owl complex. - Its discovery highlights the critical role of bioacoustics, as its unique pulsed trill call was key to distinguishing it from similar specie...