The Palawan scops owl is an owl endemic to the Philippines only being found on the island of Palawan. It is found on tropical moist lowland forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Palawan, where it inhabits primary and secondary lowland evergreen forest, forest edge, riverine forest, and patches of tall mangroves. It roosts in dense foliage or tree cavities during the day and hunts within the understory and midstory at night. Although most frequent in intact forest, it can persist in semi-open forest mosaics near clearings or plantations. Records are concentrated in lowlands and lower foothills.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Endemic to the Philippine island of Palawan, this small scops-owl is most often detected by its soft, repeated hoots at night. It favors intact and semi-degraded lowland forests and can be very hard to spot as it roosts close to the trunk or dense foliage by day. Ongoing deforestation in Palawan’s lowlands is the principal threat to its habitat.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, low flights through the understory
Social Behavior
Generally solitary or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Likely nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with a small clutch typical of scops-owls. Both adults are thought to participate in incubation and chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, hollow hoot delivered at steady intervals, often repeated in long sequences from a concealed perch. Males call most at dusk and pre-dawn, and pairs may engage in short duets.
Plumage
Rufous-brown scops-owl with short ear tufts, finely streaked and barred underparts, and a pale buff facial disk edged darker. Upperparts are mottled with darker vermiculations, aiding excellent camouflage against bark.
Diet
Primarily feeds on large insects such as beetles, moths, crickets, and katydids. Will also take spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos or frogs. Hunts by perch-and-pounce and by gleaning prey from foliage and trunks.
Preferred Environment
Forages inside lowland forest, along edges, and near clearings where insect activity is high. Often hunts along trails, stream corridors, and forest gaps where it can sally out from low perches.
