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
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Safira V
Birding and wellbeing app
Birda is an excellent platform to share your love of Birding and is a great tool of encouragement for a Birding Beginner like me. Birda has a very kind and supportive community of Birding enthusiasts. For me BIRDA is not only a BIRDING but also a WELLBEING App.
Mike T
Sense of Community
A great app, which is continually being improved. What really comes through is the passion of those behind the app. The sense of community is brilliant, so much help and support provided to new and/or in experienced birders.
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Pdydhdrexgi
Fantastic App
This is a really lovely app, for everyone interested in birds - from newbies to old hands. There is a very friendly feel to the community and you will genuinely learn a lot as you record your sightings and photos. There are lots of badges and competitions to keep you engaged, and a host of really useful features.
David C
Very knowledgeable group
Nice friendly birding community. Very knowledgeable group with a willingness to help.
Jane N
A great app
Enjoying it immensely and finding it useful too. Recording the different birds and counting them is showing me how the present climate is affecting them all. I've trebled the numbers by planting native hedging. A great app.
Anonymous
The best bird logging app
Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
Unbridled Discoveries
Great app for bird lovers
I love this app! It’s a wonderful way to track birding sessions, and also connect you with fellow birders. I also really like the unidentified bird section, it’s a great community tool to help figure out what a never-before-seen bird is!
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.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.