New Owl Species Discovered In Colombia

Photo: Benjamin Freeman

In February of this year, researchers from Fundación ProAves, led by Niels Krabbe and funded by American Bird Conservancy, discovered a new species of owl in the El Dorado Bird Reserve, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range of Colombia. Video and photos taken subsequently by birders visiting the site provided conclusive evidence of the new species. Elkin Rodriguez of Fundación ProAves is now undertaking a comprehensive study of the species in the reserve, and has erected 40 screech-owl nest-boxes in the hopes of encouraging breeding that can then be closely monitored.

The new owl, named the Santa Marta Screech-Owl, is distinguished by unique vocal and plumage characteristics. It is known from only four or five pairs seen between 5,900-7,000 feet in elevation within the reserve. The closely-related Tropical Screech-Owl is commonly found below 5,000 feet in elevation in the same area. The Santa Marta Screech-Owl will be given the scientific name Megascops gilesi in honor of Robert Giles, who has been a supporter of ABC’s conservation work in Colombia.

The El Dorado Bird Reserve was established in 2006 by ABC, Fundación ProAves, and Conservation International. All three organizations are leading members of the Alliance for Zero Extinction, which had identified the site as a priority for conservation because it is the last refuge for a suite of globally endangered species, including the Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant, Santa Marta Sabrewing, and six threatened amphibian species. There are 11 more globally threatened bird species found on the refuge. The discovery of this new owl reinforces the importance of the reserve in preserving biodiversity in the mountains of Colombia.

To see a video and hear the song of this newly discovered owl, visit: www.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/votacio.phtml?idVideo=14977.