However, Sangster said more investigation is need to completely rule out the bird's existence in extreme western Sumbawa, a neighboring island.

NPR: Brown-And-White Whistling Owl ID'd As New Species

"Now that there is a beautiful owl known only from this island, we hope that more bird watchers will visit Lombok, " Sangster said.

NPR: Brown-And-White Whistling Owl ID'd As New Species

Chris Sangster of Scotgold Resources, an Australian outfit that holds assorted exploration licences in the Scottish Highlands, is confident that his firm will be mining soon.

ECONOMIST: The high price of gold is encouraging miners to dream

"I am surprised that the true identity of this bird has remained hidden from the scientific world for so long, " George Sangster, lead author from the Swedish Museum of Natural History, said in an email.

NPR: Brown-And-White Whistling Owl ID'd As New Species