Nicobar scops owl

The Nicobar scops owl is a species of owl in the family Strigidae. It is endemic to the Nicobar Islands, India, in particular Great Nicobar Island, but it may also occur on Little Nicobar island.

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Distribution

Region

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Typical Environment

Found primarily in mature lowland and hill evergreen forests, including secondary growth and forest edges. It favors dense canopy and understory where it can forage along trunks and branches. Occurs near streams and in humid, undisturbed tracts, but may also use lightly modified habitats with sufficient cover. Daytime roosts are typically in thick foliage close to tree trunks, relying on camouflage.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 600 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size19–23 cm

Wing Span45–55 cm

Male Weight0.11 kg

Female Weight0.13 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small, ear-tufted owl is confined to the remote Nicobar Islands of India, where it inhabits dense evergreen forests. Its cryptic plumage lets it blend seamlessly with tree bark, making daytime sightings rare. Like many scops-owls, it often roosts close to the trunk and relies on camouflage rather than flight to avoid detection.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with silent, agile maneuvers through dense forest

Social Behavior

Typically encountered singly or as pairs during the breeding season. Nests in natural tree cavities or holes, laying a small clutch that both parents tend. Nocturnal; spends the day roosting quietly and relying on camouflage to avoid detection.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A series of soft, repetitive hoots or whistles delivered at intervals, often at dusk and during the night. Calls are low-pitched and carry through forest understory, aiding in territory advertisement and mate communication.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Nicobar sparrowhawk

The Nicobar sparrowhawk is a species of bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. It is endemic to the Nicobar Islands of India. There are two subspecies, the nominate race which is found on Car Nicobar in the north of the archipelago, and T. b. obsoleta, from Katchal and Camorta in the central part of the Nicobars. A museum specimen originally attributed to this species from the island of Great Nicobar was later found to be a misidentified Besra. This species was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter.

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