The Andaman scops owl is a species of the Strigidae family and is native to the Andaman Islands of India. It is a largely brown owl with white speckles and yellow eyes. The owl was first described in 1873 by British ornithologist Allan Octavian Hume. The Andaman scops owl has no sightings outside of the Andaman Islands, therefore research on this bird is limited. This owl is not threatened, though an increase in deforestation on the islands has led to the population size slowly declining. It is a nocturnal owl that feeds at night and has a nesting season from February to April.
Region
Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout suitable forested habitats of the Andaman Islands, including evergreen and moist deciduous forest, mangroves, and overgrown plantations. It favors dense understory and mid-story strata, where it can roost by day and hunt by night. The species also uses forest edges, village groves, and clearings that attract insects. Nesting typically takes place in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes. It avoids open coastal stretches without cover.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to India’s Andaman Islands, this small ear-tufted owl keeps to dense evergreen and secondary forests. First described by Allan Octavian Hume in 1873, it is more often heard than seen, giving mellow, repeated hoots at night. While not globally threatened, ongoing deforestation and habitat fragmentation on the islands are concerns for its long-term security.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short, silent flights with rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding season, forming monogamous pairs when breeding. Nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes and roosts by day in dense foliage, well camouflaged. Defends small territories primarily through vocal displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of mellow, single hoots given at regular intervals, often accelerating slightly. Pairs may duet softly at night, especially during the breeding season.
