UNIQUE MINDANAO: The Mesmerizing Giant Scops Owl

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I used to remember the poem I recited when I was in second grade. It was fun memorizing because my teacher instructed that we recite it with feelings and actions.

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat

The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea
In a beautiful pea-green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.
The Owl looked up to the stars above,
And sang to a small guitar,
"O lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!" - Edward Lear

The owl for me has a mysterious vibe. The fact that it's nocturnal adds to it's mystery. The Mindanao Giant Scops Owl is one of the vulnerable species in Mindanao, Philippines. It is a beautiful creature and must be preserved.

The Giant Scops Owl (Otus gurneyi )

The Giant Scops Owl is also called the Mindanao Owl or the Lesser Eagle Owl found in the Islands of Mindanao, particularly Dinagat and Siargao.

Length	Wing length	Tail length
30-35 cm	217-274 mm	114-149 mm

It has a bownish red facial narrow disc with it's rims showing black spots , along with its elongated ear tuffs. It's forehead together with it's crown have black streaks the same as it's breast with oval-shaped spots. It's wings have a dark brown to black feathers. The underpart feathers are white and its claws have black tips.

The Giant Scops owl usually feeds on little birds and other small animals. It has been found in lowland forests above 1500 m. The months of February to May are usually identified for them to be active, vocally cooing at a repeated of 10-20 second intervals with the sound of "Wuahh...wuah..." in 5 to 10 calls. There is very little information about their breeding patterns but it is identified that the females are larger than the males.

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Below is a video of a Giant Scops Owl:

There are dangers due to deforestation brought about by illegal logging and chromite mining in the Dinagat areas. The need to preserve and protect it's habitat is needed. As one of the unique species in Mindanao, it is one of the beautiful birds of the night.