Animalia Life

Strix leptogrammica
SUBFAMILY
Striginae, Tribe Strigini
TAXONOMY
Strix leptogrammica Temminck, 1831, Borneo. Fourteen subspecies are recognized.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Himalayan brown Owl, Himalayan wood-owl, Bartel’s wood-owl, Malaysian wood-owl; French: Chouette leptogramme; German: Malaienkauz; Spanish: Cбrabo Oriental.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
15.7–21.7 in (40–55 cm). 17.6–24 oz (500–700 g). The owl has a whitish to light brown facial disc, brown eyes surrounded by a black band, a brown chin, and a white throat. Upperparts are lighter chestnut brown with some white or light bars on the shoulders, wings, and tail. Underparts are white to buff with fine brown bars (leptogrammica means finely barred stomach). Legs are feathered.
DISTRIBUTION
Forested areas on the west and east of India, Himalayas through to the coast of China, most of southeastern Asia including Sri Lanka, southern Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Borneo.
HABITAT
Thick, undisturbed forests both evergreen and deciduous.
BEHAVIOR
Sedentary; like most of the wood-owls it is very nocturnal and secretive.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Small mammals, birds (up to the size of pheasants), fruit bats, reptiles, and some insects. Still hunting from perch.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Nests in tree cavities, caves, and sometimes on cliff ledges. Lays two eggs. Incubation is 30–33 days.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not globally threatened. Suffers from deforestation, but is secure in national parks and protected areas throughout its range.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.

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