The Mantanani scops owl, is a small owl in the scops-owl genus Otus found on small islands between Borneo and the Philippines. It is listed by the IUCN as "near threatened" because its range is limited with its population being fragmented on several different islands, and its forest habitat is being degraded by ongoing logging and clearance.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on small offshore islands around northern Borneo (Sabah) and the western Philippines, including the Palawan and Sulu regions. It favors coastal beach forest, mangroves, thickets, casuarina groves, and coconut plantations, especially where tree cavities are available. The species is closely tied to low-lying islands and is generally absent from larger, continuous inland forests. Fragmented populations reflect the patchwork of suitable small-island habitats across its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small island-dwelling scops-owl named after the Mantanani Islands off Sabah, Malaysia, it occupies tiny offshore islets between Borneo and the western Philippines. It adapts to beach forest, scrub, mangroves, and coconut plantations, often roosting low in dense foliage. Habitat loss and degradation on small islands make it vulnerable to local declines, and it is assessed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Its soft, repetitive hoots are often the best clue to its presence at night.
O. m. mantanensis in Palawan
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, low-level flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, roosting quietly in dense foliage during the day. Pairs are presumed monogamous and nest in natural cavities, often in coconut palms or old woodpecker holes. Clutches are small, and adults defend territories vocally at night.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive series of short hoots or whistles, often given in steady rhythm and carrying well in still night air. Territorial calls may include paired notes and brief trills, with both sexes vocalizing during the breeding season.
Plumage
Compact scops-owl with fine streaking and barring on a brown to rufous ground; feathered tarsi and small but distinct ear tufts. Facial disk is pale with a darker rim, and the underparts show narrow streaks and bars.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, crickets, katydids, moths, and cicadas. It will also take small vertebrates on occasion, including geckos and small frogs when available. Prey is typically detected from a low perch and seized by short sallies or quick pounces to the ground or foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in mangroves, coastal scrub, and within coconut groves and village trees. Frequently hunts near lights that attract insects and along sheltered woodland paths.
