Jamaican Owl
Jamaican Owl/ Dominic Sheroney
Scientific Name: Pseudoscops grammicus
Other Common Name: Patoo, Brown Owl
Range: Jamaica
Habitat: Forests, Woodlands, Gardens, Parks
Clutch Size: 1-2 eggs
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Description
The Jamaican Owl is a medium sized owl, endemic to Jamaica that is predominantly light brown to brownish orange in colour. Wavy black markings can be found on its crown and upper body and fine, brown markings and long dark brown shaft streaks on its breast, belly and underparts.
A very distinct physical feature is the presence of ear tufts which are not seen in the other owl resident of Jamaica, the Barn Owl.
Range
The Jamaican Owl is endemic to Jamaica and can be across the island.
Habitat
The Jamaican Owl can be found in a variety of different habitats such as pasturelands, woodlands, forests, forest edges and even parks and gardens.
It can be found in low to mid-level forests with large mature trees where it can roost.
Diet
The Jamaican Owl is a generalist predator and feeds on a variety of different prey such as birds, rodents, lizards, spiders and large insects. The Jamaican Owl like many other owls don’t have complex digestive systems that can break down fur and bones and therefore regurgitate pellets of remains of what they consumed.
Breeding
The breeding season for the Jamaican Owl is thought to occur between December and June. Successful reproduction typically results in the female laying two eggs. Once hatched, these hatchlings have white down feathers and will gradually become darker as it matures.
Conservation Status
According to the IUCN, the Jamaican Owl has a fairly restricting range and its populations are declining but not rapidly, therefore the species is classified as Least Concern.
Threats
Currently, the major threats to the Jamaican Owl are habitat destruction and stoning. The Jamaican Owl is sometimes stoned due to superstition by individuals who think the owls represent death.