Portable Planet

The extremely rare Long-whiskered Owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi), a species that wasnt discovered until 1976, and until now was only known from a few specimens captured in nets after dark, has been seen in the wild for the first time by researchers monitoring the Area de Conservacin Privada de Abra Patricia Alto Nieva, a private conservation area in Northern Peru. The sighting is considered a holy grail of South American ornithology and has not been accomplished in thirty years, despite the efforts of hundreds of birders.

The species is among the worlds smallest owls. It is so distinct that it has been named in its own genus: Xenoglaux meaning strange owl on account of the long wispy feathers or whiskers that stream out from its wild-looking reddish-orange eyes. The owl inhabits the dense undergrowth of mountain forests in a remote part of northern Peru.

Seeing the Long-whiskered Owlet is a huge thrill, said David Geale of Asociacin Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN) who was part of the research team. Its population is estimated to be less than 1,000 birds, and possibly as few as 250. Due to the rapid destruction of its forest habitat and its tiny range, it is inferred that the species is in serious decline. Until recently, the owlets key habitat was completely unprotected.

The Long-whiskered Owlet has previously been captured by researchers on at least three occasions, but until 2002 nothing was known of the birds natural history. At that point, calls were recorded from a captive bird, but its biology still remained virtually unknown. Last month, researchers Geale and Juvenal Ccahuana encountered the owlet three times during daylight hours and recorded its calls frequently at night. Several photographs were also taken of a bird captured in a mist-net and later released onto a tree branch where it posed for photographs before disappearing into the night.

The creation of the Area de Conservacin Privada de Abra Patricia Alto Nieva, located in the Northern end of the Peruvian Yungas ecosystem, provides protection for the key site for the Long-whiskered Owlet, said Hugo Arnal, American Bird Conservancys (ABC) Tropical Andes Program Director. By establishing a reserve and protecting the owlets forest habitat, ABC and its partner ECOAN are giving many other species a chance to survive as well.

The northeastern section of the Peruvian Yungas, comprises habitat for 317 resident bird species, of which 23 are considered globally threatened. The conservation area also protects much of the known habitat for the endangered Ochre-fronted Antpitta, and has been declared a priority by the Alliance for Zero Extinction. Other endemics in the area include the endangered Royal Sunangel (a hummingbird), the rare and recently-described Johnsons Tody-Tyrant, and the endangered Ash-throated Antwren.

Several songbirds that breed in North America such as the beautiful Blackburnian Warbler also use these forests during the winter. Other migratory species include the Broad-winged Hawk, Swainsons Hawk, Swainson’s Thrush, and Alder Flycatcher. In total, 29 neotropical migrant species use this area, of which 13 are of conservation concern. Nearly 98% of the reserve consists of well-preserved stands of typical Yungas forests, and it is also considered a rich area for orchids.

ABCs work in the region is supported by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Conoco Phillips, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Robert Wilson, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act program. Birdwatchers wishing to search for the owl should contact Hugo Arnal at American Bird Conservancy (see: http://www.abcbirds.org/). Access is strictly limited to small groups and the chances of success though better than in the past are still considered very low for anything but the luckiest groups. ABC is also working with the Commission for the Promotion of Peru to promote eco-tourism in Northern Peru, http://www.perubirdingroutes.com/.

Source: American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is the only 501(c)(3) organization that works solely to conserve native wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC is a membership organization that is consistently awarded a top, four-star rating by the independent group, Charity Navigator.