Indian Scops Owl

Overview

The Indian scops owl (Otus bakkamoena) is a small owl native to South Asia that has been recently split from the collared scops owl. It is currently assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A small owl measuring 23–25 cm, featuring small head tufts and a buff neckband.
• Upperparts are grey or brown with faint buff spotting, while underparts are buff with fine darker streaking.
• Facial disc is whitish or buff with orange or brown eyes.
• Flight is deeply undulating and the call is a soft single note described as "whuk?".

Habitat

The species is distributed from eastern Arabia across the Indian subcontinent, excluding the far north. It typically roosts in trees, where its natural camouflage makes it very difficult to see during the day.

Diet

This nocturnal owl feeds mainly on insects. It nests in tree cavities, laying clutches of 3–5 eggs.

Did you know?

Despite its cryptic plumage, it can sometimes be located during the day by small birds that mob it while it is roosting in a tree.