Oriental Scops Owl

Overview

The oriental scops owl is a small, variably plumaged scops owl species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small owl with yellow eyes and ear-tufts that are not always erect.
• Features a whitish scapular stripe, well-marked underparts, and lacks a pale collar, distinguishing it from the collared scops owl.
• Exists in two colour morphs, grey and rufous, with intermediate forms occurring.
• Produces a repeated liquid call sounding like "tuk tok torok"; adults have higher-pitched calls than juveniles.

Habitat

It inhabits dry deciduous forests across eastern and southern Asia, with a wide distribution ranging from Russia to Thailand. The species nests in holes in trees, especially Mahua trees, between February and April.

Did you know?

Individuals may freeze with their eyes half-closed when disturbed.