Mentawai Scops-Owl
NameMentawai Scops-Owl
Common NameMentawai Scops-Owl
Scientific NameOtus mentawi
FamilyStrigidae
Wingspan (cm)38
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)90
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly reddish-brown to dark brown, heavily mottled and streaked with darker markings, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has dark reddish-brown eyes and small, often inconspicuous, ear tufts.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is typically a series of soft, short hoots or whistles, often described as a 'hoo' or 'whu-whu-whu' repeated at intervals.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeThis species is endemic to the Mentawai Islands, an archipelago off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, including Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai, and South Pagai.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size (approx. 19 cm), Reddish-brown cryptic plumage, Dark reddish-brown eyes, Endemic to Mentawai Islands, Nocturnal habits
Description
The Mentawai Scops-Owl is a small, cryptic owl endemic to the Mentawai Islands. It is a nocturnal species, typically found perched quietly in the forest understory, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection.
