Juvenile Red-Chested Owlet? -- Lomako Yokolala Reserve, D. R. Congo, Sep 18, 2024 (1 Viewer)

[ScottSobel]

This looked like a juvenile red-chested owlet to us. This is a new bird for us. So, I'd like confirmation before adding this adorable and cooperative little guy to our life list.

Thanks for any help,
Scott

 

[Tib78]

Even better: that’s a Sjöstedt’s owlet.

 

[ScottSobel]

Even better: that’s a Sjöstedt’s owlet.

Wow! Are you sure? Looking at other sources than my bird book does look like you're correct, especially with the fine barring on the head. But, what about the range map? I'm using Birds of Africa South of the Sahara Second Edition by Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan. Do you think this range map from the book is incorrect or out of date?

Lomako-Yokokala Reserve is here: Réserve Naturelle Lomako Yokokala · Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Wow! Are you sure? Looking at other sources than my bird book does look like you're correct, especially with the fine barring on the head. But, what about the range map? I'm using Birds of Africa South of the Sahara Second Edition by Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan. Do you think this range map from the book is incorrect or out of date?

Lomako-Yokokala Reserve is here: Réserve Naturelle Lomako Yokokala · Democratic Republic of the Congo

There are several Ebird records from fairly near there:

Sign in

ebird.org

 

[ScottSobel]

There are several Ebird records from fairly near there:

Sign in

ebird.org

Thank you very much Andrew!

 

[ScottSobel]

Even better: that’s a Sjöstedt’s owlet.

Thank you again Tib78!!

 

[njlarsen]

I would encourage you to upload these images to the gallery here in Birdforum, this is a rarely photographed species here.
Niels

 

[ScottSobel]

I would encourage you to upload these images to the gallery here in Birdforum, this is a rarely photographed species here.
Niels

Sure thing Niels. This forum has been a wonderful resource to me over the years. I'm clearly not that great at identifying birds without a guide. The photos are in the gallery now. They're not as tightly cropped as I posted them here and are in higher quality jpgs.