Everett's scops owl is an owl, endemic to the Philippines, belonging to the family of the typical owls Strigidae. They are found on Bohol, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Mindanao and Basilan. This species is part of the Philippine scops owl species complex which includes the Negros scops owl.
Region
Southern and central Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs on Bohol, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Mindanao, and Basilan. It inhabits primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and wooded plantations. The species tolerates some habitat modification and may hunt along trails, clearings, and agroforestry mosaics. Roosts by day in dense foliage or vine tangles, often near tree trunks for concealment.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Everett's scops owl is a small, island-endemic owl named after British naturalist Alfred Hart Everett. It shows excellent leaf-litter camouflage and often freezes with ear tufts raised when detected. Populations on different Philippine islands can differ subtly in voice and plumage, helping pairs recognize each other. Like many scops owls, it relies heavily on nocturnal insect hunting within forest understory.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides through dense cover
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in monogamous pairs. Nests in tree cavities, often reusing natural hollows or old woodpecker holes. Both sexes defend small territories with vocal duets, especially at dusk and early night.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a soft, repeated monotone hoot or whistle given at regular intervals. Males deliver persistent series from concealed perches, with females responding at a slightly higher pitch.
Plumage
Mottled rufous to gray-brown with fine streaking and barring; feathered tarsi and small pale scapular spots; well-defined facial disc with darker rim; distinct ear tufts.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, moths, katydids, and crickets. It occasionally takes small vertebrates like geckos or frogs when available. Prey is captured by short sallies from low perches or gleaned from foliage and trunks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and midstory of forest, along edges, and in semi-open plantations. Frequently hunts along trails, clearings, and around forest gaps where insects concentrate.
