Habitat
In and adjacent to humid evergreen forest, degraded and secondary forest-edge vegetation. Hunts over open, human-altered habitat adjacent to forest, including rice-paddies and slash-and-burn cultivation. From sea level - 2000 m.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,500 - 9,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat loss through deforestation, uncontrolled use of fire, and pressure from the increasing human population, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
Call is usually strongly descending in tone (like that of Barn Owl (Tyto alba)).
Red Owl (Tyto soumagnei) [XC418222]
by id from Bealanana, Bealanana, Mahajanga, Madagascar (call)
Subspecies
Close relative of Barn Owl (Tyto alba) group, of which it constitutes a small, dark, island form. Sufficiently differentiated, however, always to have been regarded as a separate species.
No subspecies.
Similar Species
From Barn Owl (Tyto alba) by smaller size, rounder facial disk, overall rich orange coloration (especially on breast).
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet