Strix seloputo
The Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo) is a medium-sized, nocturnal owl of the family Strigidae, primarily found across Southeast Asia. Measuring 44-48 cm (17-19 in) in length with a wingspan of approximately 100-110 cm and weighing 500-700 grams, it is characterized by its distinctive dark brown, almost black, eyes set in a reddish-brown facial disc, often framed by prominent white eyebrows. Its upperparts are dark brown with dense, round white spotting, contrasting with the buffy-white under...
Found in a variety of wooded habitats, including lowland evergreen and deciduous forests, secondary growth, plantations, mangroves, and even urban parks and gardens. It typically prefers areas near water bodies and is found from sea level up to elevations of about 1,000 meters.
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on small mammals (especially rodents), birds, large insects (beetles, grasshoppers), reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally fish or crabs. Forages by swooping from a perch onto unsuspecting prey on the ground or in vegetation.
The Spotted Wood Owl is strictly nocturnal, becoming active shortly after dusk and remaining so until dawn. During the day, it roosts solitarily or in pairs, often in dense foliage close to tree trunks, frequently near water. It is a sit-and-wait predator, perching on a low branch to scan for pre...
The Spotted Wood Owl is a non-migratory resident species distributed across Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from Myanmar, Thailand, and peninsular Malaysia, through Singapore, Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Borneo in Indonesia, and also includes the Palawan group of islands in the Philippine...
Least Concern
- Despite being a forest owl, the Spotted Wood Owl shows a remarkable adaptability to human-modified landscapes and can be found in urban parks and gardens across its range. - Its eyes are dark brown to black, a notable feature as many other owl species possess yellow or orange eyes. - The subspe...