Sunda Scops Owl

Overview

The Sunda scops owl (Otus lempiji) is a small brown owl native to the Sunda Islands. Although some authors consider it a subspecies of O. bakkamoena, it is widely recognised as a distinct species that is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small owl measuring 20 to 25 cm in length and weighing 100 to 170 g.
• Upper parts are speckled with black, while the lower parts are streaked with black.
• Distinguished by a light collar and dark eyes, which help differentiate it from the reddish, mountain, Oriental, and Rajah scops owls.

Habitat

Found primarily in forests and gardens across the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra, and Java, though it is occasionally attracted to buildings. The species is common throughout its range where suitable habitat is present.

Diet

The diet consists mainly of insects and small animals, including crickets, beetles' larvae, lizards, and small fish. Rats are their most preferred prey.

Did you know?

Sunda scops owls possess unique vocal characteristics, with varying frequencies that give each individual a distinct voice to improve territory proclamation and stand out from competitors. They line their nests with plant fibre and lay up to three eggs in tree hollows from January to April, with the breeding season sometimes extending to June or late July.