Oriental scops owl

The oriental scops owl (Otus sunia) is a scops owl species native to South and Southeast Asia.

Oriental scops owl
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix II [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Strigiformes
Family:	Strigidae
Genus:	Otus
Species:	O. sunia
Binomial name
Otus sunia (Hodgson, 1836)

Description

The oriental scops owl is a small, variably plumaged, yellow-eyed owl with ear-tufts which are not always erect. It can be distinguished from the collared scops owl by its whitish scapular stripe, well-marked underparts, and lack of pale collar. There are two colour morphs, grey and rufous; intermediate forms also occur. Sexes are similar in appearance. Individuals may freeze with eyes half-closed when disturbed. The species has a repeated liquid call sounding like "tuk tok torok".^[2] Adults have higher-pitched calls than juveniles.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The oriental scops owl has an extremely wide distribution across eastern and southern Asia and inhabits dry deciduous forests from Russia to Thailand. The owl nests in holes in trees, especially Mahua trees,^[3] during February to April.^[1]