Sunda Scops-Owl

Brownish or greyish with dark streaks and buffy spotting. Large, prominent ear tufts. Buffy-white facial disc with a dark border. Sexes are similar, though females may be slightly larger.

Dark eyes (not yellow), large collar of buffy feathers on the back of the neck, and prominent ear tufts.

Length: 20-25 cm; Weight: 100-170 g; Wingspan: approximately 45-55 cm.

A soft, rhythmic single-note hoot "whooo", repeated every few seconds, rising slightly in pitch.

Primarily insects (grasshoppers, beetles, moths), but also takes small lizards, frogs, and rodents. Foregoes perch-and-pounce hunting methods.

Secondary forests, gardens, parks, and plantations; often found near human habitation in suburban areas.

Resident species; does not migrate.

Nests in tree hollows, often using abandoned woodpecker holes. Breeding usually occurs between January and July, laying 2-3 eggs.

Oriental Scops-Owl (Otus sunia) - distinguished by yellow eyes and different call. Javan Scops-Owl - geographically separated and has different vocalizations.

Acts as a natural pest controller by preying on large insects and rodents. Part of the nocturnal food web.

Least Concern (IUCN), population stable.

Listen for its soft, single-note resonant hoot at night. Often found in gardens or parks with large trees. Best spotted during the day by checking for a cryptic silhouette close to tree trunks.

Unlike many other owls, the Sunda Scops-Owl is quite tolerant of human presence and can frequently be found nesting in suburban backyards in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.