Oriental Scops-owl
Otus sunia
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Oriental Scops-owl is a small owl with prominent ear tufts and large yellow eyes. Its plumage is primarily mottled brown and grey, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. The underparts are lighter, with fine dark streaks and bars.
There is little difference between males and females. Some individuals display a rufous morph, while others exhibit a grey morph. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly fluffier and less vivid appearance.
Size
Length
16cm to 20cm
Wingspan
40cm to 50cm
Weight
60g to 95g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Grey
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Oriental Scops-owls inhabit a wide range of wooded habitats, including deciduous and evergreen forests, woodland edges, and plantations. They are found across much of South and Southeast Asia, from India and southern China to Indonesia.
During winter, some northern populations migrate southward, while others remain resident year-round.
They may occasionally be spotted as vagrants in extreme western Alaska (Aleutian Islands). There have only been two confirmed recorded sightings, though, in 1977 and 1979.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,500 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Oriental Scops-owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Oriental Scops-owl demonstrates high agility with its ability to swoop down from perches to catch prey both on the ground and in mid-air. Their nocturnal hunting style and capacity to navigate dense foliage suggest excellent manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small owl weighing between 60-95 grams, the Oriental Scops-owl has moderate strength for its size. It can capture small vertebrates like mice and lizards, but primarily feeds on insects, indicating limited lifting capacity.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
This species shows good adaptability, inhabiting a wide range of wooded habitats from deciduous and evergreen forests to woodland edges and plantations. Their ability to thrive across various elevations (up to 1,500 metres) and climate zones further demonstrates their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
While not overtly aggressive, Oriental Scops-owls display moderate territorial behaviour during breeding season. Their predatory nature in hunting suggests a certain level of aggression, but they are generally not known for being particularly combative.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Oriental Scops-owl's partial migratory behaviour in some populations indicates decent endurance. Their ability to hunt throughout the night and care for young over an extended period also suggests good stamina, though as small birds, their overall endurance is likely moderate.
Diet
The Oriental Scops-owl primarily feeds on insects, including moths, beetles, and grasshoppers. They also consume small vertebrates such as mice, lizards, and small birds.
These owls hunt by swooping down from perches to catch prey on the ground or in flight.
Behaviour
Oriental Scops-owls are primarily nocturnal, roosting during the day in dense foliage or tree cavities. They hunt from perches, swooping down to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air.
These owls are generally solitary but may form loose pairs during the breeding season.
Vocalisation
The Oriental Scops-owl's call is a distinctive, repetitive 'poop-poop-poop' or 'whoop-whoop-whoop', typically given at regular intervals.
During the breeding season, males may call frequently throughout the night. They also produce soft trills and whistles for close communication.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Oriental Scops-owls typically occurs from March to June but can vary slightly depending on the range. Males attract females with their distinctive calls, and pairs form monogamous bonds for the breeding season.
These owls nest in tree cavities, often using abandoned woodpecker holes or natural hollows. The female lays 3-5 white, roundish eggs directly on the cavity floor without building a nest.
Incubation lasts about 25 days, and it is primarily done by the female while the male provides food. Chicks fledge after 21-25 days but remain dependent on their parents for several weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Oriental Scops-owl is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving its woodland habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive 'poop-poop-poop' call at night
- Look for them perched motionless in dense foliage during the day
- Use a spotlight at night to catch the reflection of their eyes
- Check tree cavities and old woodpecker holes in forested areas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include larger owls, hawks, and tree-climbing snakes. Nestlings and eggs are vulnerable to arboreal mammals and larger birds.
Did You Know?
- Oriental Scops-owls can turn their heads up to 270 degrees.
- They have asymmetrical ear openings, which help them pinpoint prey by sound.
- Some individuals can change their plumage colour between brown and grey morphs.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Otus sunia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22728969A206482277.
View source - 2
report, 1999: del Hoyo et al.
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