Tyto alba thomensis

(Hartlaub, 1852)

Vernacular names
English : Sao Tome barn-owl
French : Effraie de Sao Tomé

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Strigiformes
Family : Tytonidae
Notes : 8 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of about 35 cm for a weight up to 450 g. Heart-shaped facial disk. Coloration dark orange-brown with black and white spots on flanks and breast. Rest of plumage dark brown with faint white spots. Clear legs.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to Sao Tome Island, located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coasts of Gabon. The species ranges in Europe, Africa and western Asia. Lives in open woodlands and agricultural areas with trees.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : This subspecies has yet to be assessed. It should be classified as threatened because of its very small range and vulnerability to use of pesticides.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Barn owls and relatives” page