Cyprus scops owl

The Cyprus scops owl (Otus cyprius) is a small owl endemic to Cyprus.

Cyprus scops owl
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Class: Aves
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Genus: Otus
Species:
O. cyprius
Binomial name
Otus cyprius
(Madarász, G, 1901)
Synonyms

Otus scops cyprius

Taxonomy and systematics

It is similar to the Eurasian scops owl Otus scops, with which is was once considered conspecific. The Cyprus scops owl differs from Eurasian scops owl in that is has a double noted song (vs. single noted), it lacks a rufous morph (vs. has a rufous morph), and that it shows consistent plumage differences (with Cyprus scops owl appearing darker than Eurasian scops owls).[3] There are limited mitochondrial DNA differences between the Cyprus scops owl and the Eurasian scops owl, but the taxa appear to occupy wholly discrete breeding ranges despite temporary sympatry during migration.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The Cyprus scops owl is endemic to the island of Cyprus. It is reported in the literature to occur in rural areas, woodlands, and forests on the island from sea level up to 1,900 metres (6,200 ft).[4] Considering the highest point on the island is only 1,952 metres (6,404 ft) at Mt. Olympus and that there are records of this species near the summit,[5] the species distribution encompasses virtually the entire island.

Reports from the mainland

Recordings of similar-sounding owls in adjacent mainland Israel have been attributed to this species, but the current taxonomic status of these mainland populations is not known.[6]

Behavior and ecology

Breeding

The species nests in natural cavities, in cavities in buildings, and in artificial nest boxes.[4] In a study using nest-boxes, the highest levels of nest-box occupancy were found near forest edge and in rural areas, although the species can be found in most habitats on the island below 1900 m.[4] The nesting habits of these species are of particular interest, as this is a cavity-nesting endemic species on an island that lacks any species of woodpeckers, and Calabrian pines Pinus brutia "rarely develop cavities until [they are] old".[4]

Relationship to humans

This species occurs in rural areas, occasionally nesting in buildings and regularly utilizing nest-boxes provided for the species.[4]

Status

It is a species of Least Concern.[7]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2019). "Otus cyprius". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T155019839A155215276. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T155019839A155215276.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. Flint, Peter; Whaley, David; Kirwan, Guy M.; Charalambides, Melis; Schweizer, Manuel; Wink, Michael (11 November 2015). "Reprising the taxonomy of Cyprus Scops Owl Otus (scops) cyprius, a neglected island endemic". Zootaxa. 4040 (3): 301. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.4040.3.3.
  4. Iezekiel, Savvas; Yosef, Reuven; Themistokleus, Constantinos; Bakaloudis, Dimitrios E.; Vlachos, Christos G.; Antoniou, Andreas; Iezekiel, Eandas; Papakosta, Malamati A.; Kosicki, Jakub Z. (14 June 2021). "Endemic Cyprus Scops Owl Otus cyprius Readily Breeds in Artificial Nest Boxes". Animals. 11 (6): 1775. doi:10.3390/ani11061775. PMC 8232148.
  5. Károlyi, Zsombor (3 May 2023). "eBird Checklist - 3 May 2023 - Mt Olympos (Χιονίστρα) - 15 species". ebird.org. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  6. Ben Dov, Amir. "XC619304: Cyprus Scops Owl Otus cyprius". xeno-canto.org. Xeno-Canto. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  7. BirdLife International. "Cyprus Scops-owl (Otus cyprius) - BirdLife species factsheet". datazone.birdlife.org. Retrieved 16 July 2023.


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