Biak Scops Owl

The Biak scops owl, Otus beccarii, is a diminutive and elusive bird of prey, endemic to the twin islands of Biak-Supiori in Cenderawasih Bay, Papua, Indonesia. Measuring a modest 20–25 cm in length, this owl exhibits two distinct color morphs: a dark brown and a dark rufous form. Its defining features include prominent ear-tufts and a pale whitish-brown facial disc.

Identification Tips

When endeavoring to identify the Biak scops owl, look for its long ear-tufts, which are characteristic of the species. The facial disc is a lighter shade, providing a contrast against the darker plumage of the body. The size is notably small, and the bird's presence is often betrayed by its distinctive vocalizations rather than visual confirmation.

Habitat

The Biak scops owl favors heavily wooded areas, often in close proximity to human settlements. Its preference for dense forest canopies makes sightings a rare treat for the patient observer.

Distribution

This species is confined to the islands of Biak and Supiori, where its very existence is intertwined with the fate of these forested realms.

Behaviour

The Biak scops owl is a creature of the night, seldom seen due to its nocturnal habits. Its secretive nature and the dense habitat it occupies contribute to the mystery surrounding its lifestyle.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Biak scops owl includes a hoarse, corvid-like call, which may serve as the most reliable indicator of its presence in the dense forests it calls home.

Diet and Feeding

Small vertebrates and insects comprise the diet of the Biak scops owl, which it likely hunts under the cover of darkness, using its acute senses to locate prey.

Conservation status

The Biak scops owl is classified as Vulnerable, with its survival threatened by the ongoing destruction of its limited habitat. Conservation efforts are imperative to ensure that the haunting calls of this owl continue to echo through the forests of Biak-Supiori.