Collared Scops Owl

The Collared Scops Owl, Otus lettia, is a small yet the largest among its scops owl relatives, measuring 23 to 25 centimeters in length. Exhibiting a palette of grey or brown for its upperparts, this owl is adorned with faint buff spotting. Its underparts are a lighter buff, intricately streaked with darker lines. A distinctive buff neckband graces its neck, while the facial disc is a pale whitish or buff. The eyes of this owl are a captivating orange or brown, and it possesses small, yet noticeable ear tufts.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Collared Scops Owl, look for its orange or brown eyes set in a whitish or buff facial disc, and the buff neckband that stands out against its grey or brown upperparts with buff spotting. Both sexes appear similar, and the bird's flight is characterized by a deeply undulating motion.

Habitat

This common breeding bird favors forests and other well-wooded areas, where it finds solace and nesting opportunities within tree hollows.

Distribution

The Collared Scops Owl is a resident breeder in South Asia, with its range extending from northern Pakistan and India, across Nepal and Bangladesh, to the Himalayas, and further east to South China and Taiwan. It exhibits partial migratory behavior, with some individuals wintering in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

Behaviour

Nocturnal by nature, the Collared Scops Owl can often be betrayed by the small birds that mob it while it roosts during the day. It is a quiet presence in the night, feeding mainly on insects.

Song & Calls

The call of the Collared Scops Owl is a subdued "goog gook," a sound that can be heard during the stillness of the night.

Breeding

Nesting within the cavities of trees, the Collared Scops Owl lays clutches of 3 to 5 eggs, embracing the sheltered environment that the forest provides.

Similar Species

The Collared Scops Owl bears a close resemblance to the Oriental Scops Owl, Otus sunia, especially towards the southern part of its range, and the slightly smaller Indian Scops Owl. The most reliable way to differentiate these species in the field is by their distinct calls.

Diet and Feeding

Insects form the mainstay of this owl's diet, which it hunts for during the night.

Conservation status

The Collared Scops Owl is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species is not at immediate risk of decline.