Otus thilohoffmanni
The Serendib Scops Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) is a diminutive and highly elusive owl, endemic to the wet zone rainforests of Sri Lanka. Measuring approximately 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) in length, it exhibits a striking rufous-brown plumage, subtly barred and streaked with darker markings across its upperparts. Its underparts are a paler rufous-white, also finely streaked and barred, providing excellent camouflage amidst the forest undergrowth. Distinctive bright yellow eyes pierce through a pale r...
This owl primarily inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforests within the wet zone of Sri Lanka, typically at elevations below 500 meters, though records extend up to 1000 meters.
Predominantly insectivorous, its diet consists mainly of large insects such as moths, beetles, and crickets, which it captures using a perch-and-pounce foraging method.
The Serendib Scops Owl is strictly nocturnal, spending its days roosting quietly in dense foliage or tree cavities, often camouflaged against a tree trunk. It employs a sit-and-wait foraging strategy, perching on low branches to scan for prey before making short, swift sallies to snatch insects f...
The Serendib Scops Owl is strictly endemic to the wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka, a critically important biodiversity hotspot. Its distribution is highly fragmented, confined to a few remaining pockets of primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest. Key known localities include the Sinhar...
Endangered
- The Serendib Scops Owl was only scientifically discovered in 1995 and formally described in 1998, making it one of the most recently identified owl species. - Its distinctive, frog-like "whuk-whuk-whuk" call was instrumental in its discovery by renowned Sri Lankan ornithologist Deepal Warakagod...