Tyto longimembris chinensis

(Hartert, 1929)

Vernacular names
English : Eastern grass owl
French : Effraie de prairie

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Tytonidae
Notes : 4 other subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 36 cm in length for a weight up to 600 g. Wings, nape and crown dark brown with chestnut mottling and scattered white dots. Facial disk nearly pure white with black edge. Breast light rufous with black dots, clear belly.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in South-East China and north Vietnam. Species found from India to Taiwan, south to Indonesia, Philippines and Australia. Lives in grasslands, grass jungles, marshes and sometimes cultivated areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is widespread but uncommon. It has been declining because of habitat loss and extensive use of poison to kill rodents in cultivated areas.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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