The Mindanao scops owl or Mindanao highland scops owl is an owl endemic to Mindanao island in the Philippines. It is found in tropical montane forest above 1,000 meters above sea level. It is threatened by habitat destruction and deforestation.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to montane forests on Mindanao, where it occupies dense interior forest, mossy ridges, and forest edges. It prefers mature, humid evergreen forest but can persist in well-structured secondary growth near intact tracts. The species roosts by day in thick foliage and hunts along quiet trails, clearings, and stream corridors at night. It is patchily distributed in suitable habitat across mountain ranges such as Kitanglad, Apo, and Malindang.
Altitude Range
1000–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mindanao scops owl is a small, ear-tufted owl restricted to the highlands of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. It favors cool, mossy montane forests and is most often detected by its repetitive, hollow hoots at night. Like many scops owls, it shows rufous and brown plumage morphs that blend superbly with bark and leaf litter. Ongoing deforestation in Mindanao’s uplands is a concern for its long-term security.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, silent wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Typically encountered alone or in monogamous pairs during the breeding season. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, laying a small clutch guarded by both parents. Roosts quietly in dense foliage by day and relies on camouflage to avoid detection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, hollow hoots or whistles given at regular intervals, often accelerating slightly. Males call persistently from elevated perches at night, with contact notes exchanged between paired birds.
