KINGS OF CAMOUFLAGE … A collared scops owl nestled in the hollow of a tree in the capital’s Botanical Garden. While it was spotted for its big, eager eyes, the bird otherwise could have remained completely unseen. All species of scops owls, as a matter of fact, are masters of camouflage. As they are easily preyed on because of their small size, the birds have had to undergo physical and behavioural adaptations to survive. While their plumage helps them blend in with trees, they have also learned to stretch out to look leaner and also sway back and forth to appear like a tree branch moving in a breeze. Collared scops owls are resident breeders in South Asia – from northern Pakistan, northern India and the Himalayas, all the way to South China. Partially migratory, some of these birds prefer wintering in the warmer parts of India, Sri Lanka or Malaysia. As they are common across their ranges, the IUCN has listed them in the “Least Concerned” category. However, rampant deforestation remains a continuous threat to their habitats.
PHOTO: MD RIDWANUR RAHMAN
Workers loading fly ash onto a vessel from a truck in Khulna city’s Launch Ghat area. Such handling of fly ash, imported from India for producing cement, exposed the labourers to health hazards and also causes air pollution. The photo was taken on Tuesday.
Photo: Habibur Rahman
Star file photo
