Dongsha Atoll National Park has recorded its 260th bird species—the Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia). The species was discovered in early March during a bird population survey commissioned by the Marine National Park Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as the Headquarters) and conducted by the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society (hereinafter referred to as KWBS).

The Headquarters stated that as of 2011, a total of 257 bird species had been recorded in Dongsha Atoll National Park. In January of this year (2013), two new species—the Brown Shrike and the Black Kite—were added to the list. With the discovery of the Oriental Scops Owl in early March, the total number of recorded species has now reached 260. Although Dongsha Island covers less than five ten-thousandths of Taiwan’s land area, it supports nearly 50% of Taiwan’s bird species, making it an important ecological oasis for birds.

KWBS explained that in Taiwan, the Oriental Scops Owl can only be observed during spring and autumn migration seasons. It breeds in northern China, Siberia, and Japan during spring, and migrates southward in autumn to warmer regions such as southern China, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia to overwinter. In Taiwan, the peak period for northbound spring migration occurs from March to May. The species typically inhabits coastal areas or low-elevation woodlands. It is considered a rare transient migrant in Taiwan and is listed as a Category II protected wildlife species.

Physical characteristics of the Oriental Scops Owl: This species is relatively small in size (15–18 cm in length) and exhibits variable plumage coloration, ranging from gray to brown. It resembles the Collared Scops Owl, but the latter has a pale yellowish bill, whereas the Oriental Scops Owl has a black bill. Additionally, the Collared Scops Owl has red irises, while the Oriental Scops Owl has yellow irises. Previously, only two owl species from the Strigidae family had been recorded on the island—the Long-eared Owl and the Short-eared Owl—both larger and more conspicuous species. The Oriental Scops Owl, measuring only about 17 cm in length, becomes the third owl species recorded on Dongsha Island.

KWBS discovered the Oriental Scops Owl during banding operations conducted under a commissioned research project on Dongsha Island. After confirming that it was uninjured, the bird was released on site.

Headquarters Dongsha Management Station staff recorded the Black Kite as a new species in January 2013.

Headquarters Dongsha Management Station staff recorded the Brown Shrike as a new species in January 2013.