Keonig (2008) split Arabian Scops Owl Otus (senegalensis) pamelae
as a distinct species from African Scops Owl O. s. senegalensis but recent
work (Pons et al 2013) has shown African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis pamelae,
represents a very distinct lineage and is well differentiated phylogenetically,
morphologically and vocally from O. s. senegalensis. As a result it has been
recommend to elevate it to species status, as Arabian Scops Owl Otus pamelae.
The reasons for this are this southern Arabian taxon is highly divergent
from African senegalensis (uncorrected-p mitochondrial genetic distance =
4%). The song of pamelae is very different from that of Eurasian Scops Owl
O. scops and Pallid Scops Owl O. brucei but more similar to that of African Scops Owl O. senegalensis.
It nevertheless differs from the latter’s song in being higher pitched,
sounding ‘scratchier’ and having more prolonged notes; the song sounds
two-parted, due to the much quieter first note (G.M. Kirwan & R. F. Porter
pers. obs., Keonig et al. 2008). In terms of biometrics, results clearly
suggest that pamelae is longer winged and longer legged than mainland African
populations of senegalensis. In comparison with populations of O.
senegalensis in continental Africa, Arabian pamelae is distinguished
in being paler overall, with less distinct streaking over the underparts and a
less obvious whitish line on the scapulars (Keonig et al. 2008). Arabian Scops
Owls possess several diagnostic genetic and phenotypic characters and it is therefore
consider the most appropriate taxonomic treatment is to recognize Arabian Scops
Owl as a species Otus pamelae, and not as a subspecies of O.
senegalensis as it was originally described based solely on morphological
data. This change means that Arabian Scops Owl becomes a new Arabian endemic,
found in South-west Saudi Arabia, South-west Yemen and north-east to southern
Oman and African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis is now no longer found in
Arabia but instead occurs in parts of Ethiopia, Eritrea & Somalia.
Note: Birds seen and heard in Daallo Forest, Somaliland, sound very
similar to the scops owls of South-west Arabia which are now considered to be a
separate species (see above). Their call is noticeably different from that of
African Scops Owl O. senegalensis, which is what they were previously
considered to be. The identity of the Daallo birds may not be resolved until
their DNA can be tested; they could be Arabian Scops Owls but it is also
possible that they may prove to be a distinct taxon (Birdquest 2012).
Jean-Marc Pons, Guy M. Kirwan, Richard F. Porter & Jerome Fuchs
(2013). A reappraisal of the systematic affinities of Socotran, Arabian and
East African scops owls (Otus, Strigidae) using a combination of molecular,
biometric and acoustic data. Ibis (2013), doi: 10.1111/ibi.12041
Keonig, C., Weick, F. & Becking, J.-H. 2008. Owls: A Guide to
the Owls of the World, 2nd edn. London: Christopher Helm.
Redmond, N. 2012. Birdquest Tour Report: Djibouti &
Somaliland 9-27 September 2012.
