The Rinjani scops owl is a species of scops owl found only on Lombok in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia and its neighbouring Gili Islands. The only bird species endemic to the island, it was first recognized as a separate species in September 2003 and was formally described in 2013.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Lombok and adjacent Gili Islands, using primary and secondary forest, forest edge, and agroforestry mosaics. It frequents wooded ravines, bamboo thickets, and plantations, and will hunt along quiet roads and village gardens at night. Daytime roosts are typically in dense foliage or vine tangles, often close to trunks. The species tolerates moderate disturbance but depends on patches of mature trees for nesting cavities.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small scops owl is the only bird species endemic to Lombok (and nearby Gili Islands) and was formally described as new to science in 2013. It is best identified by its simple, penetrating whistled call, which differs from other Indonesian scops owls. It appears adaptable, occurring from forest to village edges, but its very limited range makes careful habitat management important.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding season, forming monogamous pairs during breeding. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with both adults defending a small territory. Roosts quietly in dense cover by day and becomes active soon after dusk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, single whistled note repeated at steady intervals, often carrying far on calm nights. The pitch and rhythm are diagnostic compared to other regional scops owls.
Plumage
Fine mottled and streaked brown to rufous plumage with pale scapular spots and faint barring on wings and tail; compact with small ear-tufts.
Diet
Primarily large insects such as beetles, moths, and orthopterans, taken by perch-and-pounce hunting. It may also capture small lizards or geckos opportunistically. Prey is swallowed whole or torn into manageable pieces.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and lightly lit paths, as well as in plantations and gardens with scattered tall trees. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, sallying to ground or foliage.
