The reddish scops owl is an owl found in southeast Asia.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Sundaic region, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo, with records from associated smaller islands. It favors primary and older secondary lowland evergreen forest, including peat-swamp forest and dense riverine forest. Often keeps to the understory and lower midstory near forest edges, streams, and clearings. It avoids open country and heavily degraded habitats. By day it roosts quietly against trunks or in dense vine tangles, relying on camouflage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, nocturnal owl of lowland Southeast Asian forests, the reddish scops owl is named for its warm rufous plumage. It relies on dense understory for cover and hunts quietly from low perches. Like many scops owls, it has small ear tufts and a soft, repetitive call used to advertise territory. Ongoing deforestation is its main threat, though it remains locally common where intact forest persists.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, silent flights through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically roosts singly or in pairs concealed in foliage or against trunks. Breeds in natural tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes, with a small clutch guarded closely. Pairs maintain territories using soft songs and duets, especially at dusk. Parents attend the young closely, with the male provisioning the incubating female and nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of hoots or whistles given at measured intervals, often monotonous and ventriloquial in dense forest. Males may produce a gentle, accelerating sequence during territorial displays, with contact notes exchanged between pair members.
