The Rajah scops owl is a species of owl found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The bird is named after James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak. Based on patterns of speciation in other endemic montane bird species of the same region, it may potentially have to be split into two distinct species; if so, the name Otus brookii would be restricted to just the Bornean population.
Region
Borneo and Sumatra (Sundaland)
Typical Environment
Occupies montane evergreen and mossy forests, typically in dense, mature habitat with closed canopy and rich understory. It favors ridgelines, forest edges, and steep slopes where perches overlook gaps for hunting. Birds roost by day in thick foliage, often close to tree trunks or lianas. It is rarely found in heavily disturbed lowland forest but may use selectively logged montane areas if cover remains. Presence is highly localized and patchy within suitable elevations.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after James Brooke, the Rajah of Sarawak, this little-known scops owl inhabits the montane forests of Borneo and Sumatra. It is secretive and seldom seen, and recent records have reignited interest after long gaps with no confirmed sightings. Some researchers suspect the Bornean and Sumatran populations may represent separate species pending further study.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; silent, low-level flights between perches
Social Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, spending the day roosting alone or in pairs in dense cover. Breeding likely involves nesting in tree cavities or natural hollows, as in other scops owls. Pairs defend small territories with vocal duets during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, low series of hoots or whistles, delivered at long intervals from concealed perches. Calls are simple but carry well in montane forest at night, often used for territorial advertisement and pair contact.
Plumage
Compact scops owl with prominent ear tufts and finely streaked and mottled plumage; typically rufous to brown with darker shaft streaks and barring. Facial disc is buffy with a narrow darker rim and subtle pale supercilium. Scapulars often show small pale spots that break up the outline.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, moths, crickets, and katydids. Will occasionally take small vertebrates like geckos or small rodents when available. Hunting is typically perch-and-pounce, with prey detected by sound and brief sallies through understory gaps.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, trails, and natural openings within montane forest where prey activity is concentrated. Often hunts from low to mid-level perches, gleaning from foliage or snapping prey in short flights.
