Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Biak Scops Owl

Otus beccarii

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.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

More Owls

A photo of a Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Foxgirl100
Great app for beginner twitchers
I’ve had a passion of photographing birds for a long time now but have only just gotten into proper birdwatching, and this app is brilliant for those just getting started. There is a great sense of community among users and the app is very easy to use and professional. Awesome app altogether
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Viperray5
Loving it
I really enjoy being able to interact with other birders on this platform! This seems like a great way to meet other birders and find some new spots.
Emcil24
A Friendly Place
I love using the bird app, I have a pretty good knowledge of birds. But I do have some gaps in it, so it’s nice to have a safe space to check on a sighting to confirm the species. It’s really enjoyable and I love the badges you can collect. It’s like a real life Pokémon go.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Talli A
My favourite app
As a young birdwatcher who was always keen to be apart of a community but never seemed to find one, my problem was solved downloading this!!! Everyone is so friendly and just as excited to see birds as me 😁
Tralisalandhoop
Fantastic app - Love it!
Love this app and have used it almost daily. Lots of species information and easy to use. Love seeing birds spotted by other users in the UK and worldwide.
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.