The Principe scops owl is a species of scops owl found only on Príncipe Island of São Tomé and Príncipe, an island country in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Africa. First noticed by its distinctive nighttime call, it was formally described in 2022. The first records of suspicions of its existence are from 1928. Given its low population numbers and tiny range, researchers have asked the IUCN to declare it Critically Endangered, and this status was granted in 2023. Its distribution is limited to native forests where human activity is low—in fact, its range is entirely within a protected area, the Príncipe Obô Natural Park—and it seems to prefer larger trees. It feeds on insects. Its predators include the Mona monkey and the black rat.
Region
Gulf of Guinea Islands
Typical Environment
This owl is restricted to native lowland and submontane rainforest on Príncipe, with virtually all known records inside the Príncipe Obô Natural Park. It shows a strong preference for structurally complex, old-growth forest with large trees that provide cavities and dense cover. It largely avoids plantations, secondary growth near villages, and areas with heavy human disturbance. Birds forage and roost from the understory to mid‑canopy, often along quiet interior forest slopes and ridges.
Altitude Range
0–700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Formally described in 2022, this scops-owl was first detected by its distinctive, repetitive “tuu” call at night and named in honor of a local ranger nicknamed Bikegila. It is confined to Príncipe Island’s native forest, largely within Príncipe Obô Natural Park, and prefers areas with large, mature trees. The species was assessed as Critically Endangered in 2023 due to its tiny range and small population. Introduced predators such as black rats and Mona monkeys are potential threats.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, silent flight through dense forest
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or territorial pairs. Nesting is presumed in natural tree cavities in large, mature trees. Pairs defend small territories and communicate with simple, repeated calls, especially at night.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A distinctive, short, repeated “tuu” note given in steady series, often continuing for minutes. Calls may be exchanged antiphonally by neighboring birds or pairs, carrying well through dense forest at night.
