Otus bakkamoena
The Indian Scops Owl, *Otus bakkamoena*, is a captivating small to medium-sized nocturnal raptor, recognized by its cryptic, mottled grayish-brown plumage that provides superb camouflage against tree bark. Measuring approximately 20-23 cm (8-9 inches) in length with a wingspan of 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) and weighing 120-150 grams, it features prominent ear tufts and striking bright yellow eyes. A pale facial disk outlined by dark feathers and a subtly defined yellowish-white nuchal collar are...
This adaptable owl primarily inhabits semi-open woodlands, deciduous and evergreen forests, groves, plantations, urban gardens, and parks. It thrives from lowlands up to lower montane regions, typically not exceeding 2000 meters (6,500 feet) in elevation.
The Indian Scops Owl's diet consists mainly of large insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets, supplemented by small vertebrates like lizards, geckos, rodents, and occasionally small birds. It is a nocturnal sit-and-wait predator, primarily hunting from a perch.
Exclusively nocturnal and crepuscular, the Indian Scops Owl spends its days roosting quietly and perfectly camouflaged against tree trunks or dense foliage, becoming active shortly after dusk. It is primarily a sit-and-wait predator, perching motionlessly on a branch and swooping down silently to...
The Indian Scops Owl is a widespread resident species found throughout much of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its range extends across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo). It also reaches in...
Least Concern
- The Indian Scops Owl is a master of camouflage, blending seamlessly with tree bark, often going unnoticed even by experienced birders. - Despite its small size, it's a formidable silent hunter, thanks to specialized feather structures that muffle sound during flight. - Subspecies of the Indian ...