The mountain scops owl, sometimes referred to as the spotted scops owl, is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is locally common in its main habitat which covers some parts of Asia, including Bangladesh Bhutan, Pakistan, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, and Thailand. It is an altitudinal migrant. It has a short high-pitched call. Their call sounds like a two-note whistle, "plew-plew" or "he-he", although the female's songs are rarely heard. Their calls can also vary between different populations allowing one to determine a bird's origin.
Region
Himalayas to Southeast Asia and Taiwan
Typical Environment
Found from the foothills and mid-elevations of the Himalayas through Northeast India and Southeast Asia to Taiwan. Prefers montane evergreen and mixed broadleaf forests, often with oak, rhododendron, or bamboo understory. Uses forest edges, ravines, tea/coffee plantations with shade trees, and secondary growth. Roosts by day close to trunks or in dense foliage where its mottled plumage provides superb concealment. Makes seasonal elevational shifts following prey availability and weather.
Altitude Range
600–2800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small scops-owl is an altitudinal migrant, moving upslope in summer and downslope in winter within montane forests. Its two-note, high-pitched whistle varies geographically and helps identify different populations. Individuals often show gray or rufous morphs, providing excellent camouflage against mossy trunks and leaf litter.
A juvenile mountain scops owl photographed at Sattal, India
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, silent low-level flights
Social Behavior
Typically roosts singly or in pairs and becomes active at dusk. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes; the female incubates while the male provisions. Pairs maintain small territories and respond readily to imitated whistles.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A short, high-pitched two-note whistle, often rendered plew-plew or he-he, spaced at regular intervals. Calls vary among populations, aiding identification; females call less frequently and more softly.
