The Philippine scops owl, also Luzon lowland scops owl is a common owl, endemic to the Philippines, belonging to the family of the typical owls Strigidae. Other common names include "Otus Whitehead", "Whitehead scops owl" and "Luzon lowland scops owl". Everett's scops owl and Negros scops owls were formerly considered conspecific but are now classified as separate species.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly on Luzon and nearby smaller islands, inhabiting primary and secondary lowland to lower montane forests, forest edges, and wooded plantations. It tolerates moderately disturbed habitats and can persist in secondary growth, bamboo thickets, and gardens near forest. By day it roosts in dense foliage or close to tree trunks where its mottled plumage provides superb concealment. At night it hunts along edges, clearings, and understory flyways.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small scops owl is endemic to the Philippines and is well known for its prominent ear tufts and excellent bark-like camouflage. It was formerly lumped with Everett’s and Negros scops owls, which are now treated as separate species. By day it roosts motionless against trunks or in dense foliage; at night it becomes an agile, silent hunter. Its soft, repeated hoots vary geographically and are key for detecting it in the forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides, highly maneuverable in dense forest
Social Behavior
Usually solitary outside the breeding season, forming monogamous pairs during breeding. Nests are typically in tree cavities or natural holes, sometimes old woodpecker holes. Adults are highly secretive by day and rely on camouflage; at night they defend territories with vocal displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repeated hoot or whistle, often rendered as a mellow “whu” given at steady intervals. Males deliver territorial series and pairs may engage in antiphonal duets, especially at dusk and before dawn.
Plumage
Mottled and streaked brown to rufous with buff speckling; finely barred wings and tail; pale, well-defined facial disk with darker border.
Diet
Primarily large insects such as beetles, crickets, katydids, and moths. It also takes spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos, frogs, and small rodents when available. Hunting is from low to mid-level perches, with short sorties to snatch prey from foliage or the ground.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, trails, and clearings, as well as in secondary growth and agroforestry mosaics. Often hunts from concealed perches within the understory or lower canopy, dropping to the ground or sallying to vegetation.
