The Javan scops owl is a small species of owl living mainly on western Java's high volcanos; local people refer to the owl as Celepuk Jawa. Like most owls, this nocturnal bird also has a strong ability of silent flight.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
This species is restricted to the montane forests of western Java, Indonesia, especially on high volcanic massifs. It occupies dense evergreen and mossy forests, forest edges, and sometimes older secondary growth. The owl often hunts along ridgelines, clearings, and along forest paths where prey activity is concentrated. Its distribution is highly fragmented due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Locally called Celepuk Jawa, the Javan scops owl is a cryptic, nocturnal owl confined to the high volcanic mountains of western Java. It relies on exceptionally silent flight and mottled plumage to ambush prey and avoid detection. Its soft, repetitive whistles carry through misty montane forests at night, often betraying its presence more than its appearance.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with buoyant, silent flight through dense foliage
Social Behavior
Typically roosts singly or in pairs, concealed against trunks or dense foliage during the day. Breeding pairs are monogamous and defend small territories on forested slopes. Nests are usually in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a soft, whistled hoot given in steady, spaced repetitions, often delivered from a mid-level perch. Phrases may accelerate slightly in a short series, carrying well in cool montane air.
Plumage
Fine mottled and streaked brown and grey plumage with subtle vermiculation that resembles tree bark. Facial disk is buffy with a darker rim; ear tufts are short but noticeable. Underparts are lightly streaked; scapulars show small pale spots.
Diet
It primarily hunts large insects such as moths, beetles, katydids, and crickets. It will also take spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos or small rodents when available. Prey is usually detected by sound and brief scans from low to mid-level perches before a short, silent sally.
Preferred Environment
Foraging occurs along forest edges, trails, and canopy gaps where insect activity is concentrated. It also works along ridgelines and around small clearings within montane forest.
