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Pallid Scops OwlAlternative names: "Striated Scops Owl", "Bruce's Scops Owl" Size: 21 cm |
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Sightings |
The owls shown below were seen by us on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat, in the timeframe February-April 2010. Based on the photos below, the birds' estimated sizes and various calls, an expert has identified them as Pallid Scops Owls. The fact that the pair observed by us had fledgling chicks when first seen indicates that they stay in Oman all year round.
Although none of the photos shows this, we have seen birds with their ear tufts erected.
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Photos |
Not the photos you want? Or are you after even better quality? Have a look here.
Pallid Scops Owl looking towards the camera
Here the same bird as above, seen looking forward
... and here seen looking backwards
Close-up lateral view of an adult bird
... now with a view of the back of its head
Adult Pallid Scops Owl that has caught a juicy locust
The same bird as shown above, now looking towards an area from
which a rasping sound could be heard
The source of the rasping sound was this young chick calling to
be fed
The chick was curious and came to check out the source of light
that was illuminating it
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Food |
Like other members of the owl family, Pallid Scops Owls are carnivores. They prey on large insects and other small animals.
