[order] STRIGIFORMES | [family] Strigidae | [latin] Pyrroglaux podargina | [authority] Hartlaub and Finsch, 1872 | [UK] Palau Owl | [FR] Petit-duc des Palau | [DE] Palaueule | [ES] Autillo de las Palau | [NL] Palau-dwergooruil
Subspecies
Monotypic species
Genus
The Palau Owl (Pyrroglaux podarginus) is a species of owl in the Strigidae family. Formerly united with the scops owls in Otus, it is now placed in its own genus Pyrroglaux. It is endemic to Palau.
Physical charateristics
Dark reddish brown overall plumage including somewhat paler facial disc. Whitish lores and eyebrows. Upperparts with some lighter streaks, shoulder feathers tipped white. underparts ligther with a few streaks and spots. Iris is brown, the bill white and the feet almost white.
| wingspan min.: | 0 | cm | wingspan max.: | 0 | cm |
| size min.: | 21 | cm | size max.: | 23 | cm |
| incubation min.: | 0 | days | incubation max.: | 0 | days |
| fledging min.: | 0 | days | fledging max.: | 0 | days |
| broods: | 0 | eggs min.: | 0 | ||
| eggs max.: | 0 |
Range
Pacific Ocean : Palau Islands
Habitat
Very diverse as long as it is forest. Found in woodland and lagoon trees, ravines and mangrove swamps.
Reproduction
Territorial family bird always in groups. Nests in a hollow tree.
Feeding habits
Large invertebrates and insects.
Conservation
Although this species may have a restricted range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
At one time quite common, the Palau Owl became increasingly rare between World War II and the 1960s. Ecologists suspected that the decline was due to the rhinoceros beetles ingested by the owls. A concentrated effort was made to rid the islands of the fatal beetles, and it was observed that as this scourge was brought under control, the owls began to increase in number.
At one time quite common, the Palau Owl became increasingly rare between World War II and the 1960s. Ecologists suspected that the decline was due to the rhinoceros beetles ingested by the owls. A concentrated effort was made to rid the islands of the fatal beetles, and it was observed that as this scourge was brought under control, the owls began to increase in number.
Migration
Resident
Distribution map
