Oriental scops owl
The Oriental scops owl is a small, yellow-eyed owl native to South and Southeast Asia, characterized by its ear-tufts and variable plumage. It inhabits dry deciduous forests and is known for its distinctive liquid call. The species exhibits two color morphs, grey and rufous, with intermediate forms also present.
Key Facts
- ›Small owl with yellow eyes and ear-tufts that are not always erect.
- ›Native to South and Southeast Asia.
- ›Inhabits dry deciduous forests.
- ›Possesses two main color morphs: grey and rufous.
- ›Known for a repeated liquid call sounding like 'tuk tok torok'.
- ›Nests in tree holes, particularly in Mahua trees, between February and April.
Oriental Scops Owl
Dry Deciduous Forests
South Asia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Asia
About Oriental scops owl
The Oriental scops owl (Otus sunia) is a small owl species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is recognizable by its yellow eyes and ear-tufts, though these tufts are not always held erect. The species is characterized by its variable plumage, with two main color morphs: grey and rufous, though intermediate forms are also observed. Both sexes appear similar in coloration.
Distribution and Habitat
This owl boasts an extremely wide distribution across eastern and southern Asia. Its preferred habitat consists of dry deciduous forests, and its range extends from Russia down to Thailand. During its breeding season, the Oriental scops owl nests in holes within trees, with a particular affinity noted for Mahua trees.
Description and Behavior
Adult Oriental scops owls can be distinguished from similar species, such as the collared scops owl, by their whitish scapular stripe, well-marked underparts, and the absence of a pale collar. When faced with disturbance, these owls have a notable behavior of freezing with their eyes partially closed. Their vocalizations are a key characteristic, featuring a repeated liquid call described as sounding like 'tuk tok torok'. Interestingly, adults produce higher-pitched calls than their juvenile counterparts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Oriental scops owl look like?
The Oriental scops owl is a small owl with yellow eyes and ear-tufts that are not always held erect. It displays variable plumage and can be found in two color morphs: grey and rufous, with intermediate forms also occurring. Sexes are similar in appearance.
Where can the Oriental scops owl be found?
This species has a wide distribution across eastern and southern Asia. It inhabits dry deciduous forests, with a range extending from Russia to Thailand.
What sounds does the Oriental scops owl make?
The Oriental scops owl is known for its repeated liquid call, which is described as sounding like 'tuk tok torok'. Adults produce higher-pitched calls compared to juveniles.
When does the Oriental scops owl nest?
The nesting season for the Oriental scops owl typically occurs from February to April. They favor nesting in holes found in trees, with Mahua trees being a preferred choice.
How can the Oriental scops owl be distinguished from similar species?
It can be distinguished from the collared scops owl by its whitish scapular stripe, well-marked underparts, and the absence of a pale collar.
Related Owl species
African grass owl
The African grass owl (Tyto capensis) is a medium-sized owl found in sub-Saharan Africa, known for its uniform sooty blackish-brown upperparts and heart-shaped facial disc. It primarily inhabits moist grasslands and savannas, where it hunts rodents and other small mammals at night.
African scops owl
The African scops owl (Otus senegalensis) is a small owl native to sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by its cryptic greyish-brown plumage and bright yellow eyes. It is a strictly nocturnal hunter, often overlooked during the day due to its remarkable camouflage. Its distinctive call is a monotonous "prrrp" sound.
African wood owl
The African wood owl (Strix woodfordii), also known as Woodford's owl, is a common forest owl species native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is distinguished by its rounded head, large dark eyes with white eyebrows, and a distinctive hooting call that can be heard over long distances. This owl is strictly nocturnal and primarily inhabits indigenous forests and woodlands.