The sandy scops owl, or cinnamon scops owl, is an owl from the family Strigidae found in Africa.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
This owl inhabits humid lowland rainforests and forest edges from West Africa into the Congo Basin. It favors dense understory, vine tangles, and thickets near clearings or streams where it can hunt from low perches. It also occurs in secondary growth and selectively logged forest, provided enough cover remains. The species is elusive and local in occurrence, often going undetected in suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The sandy scops owl, also known as the cinnamon scops owl, is a small, nocturnal owl of African lowland forests. Its sandy-cinnamon plumage and small ear tufts make it exceptionally cryptic against bark and dry foliage. It is rarely seen and more often detected by its soft, whistled calls at night. The species name means 'yellow-billed,' reflecting its distinctive bill color.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, low-level flights between perches
Social Behavior
Typically solitary outside the breeding season and roosts close to tree trunks to blend in. Likely monogamous, nesting in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. Clutch size is small, and adults are highly attentive at the nest. Young remain hidden and are fed by adults at night.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of clear, whistled notes given at intervals, often a single or double hoot repeated from a concealed perch. The call carries well in dense forest during calm nights and is the primary means of detection.
Plumage
Fine, sandy-cinnamon plumage with subtle darker streaking and mottling; compact scops-owl shape with small ear tufts.
Diet
It feeds mainly on large insects such as moths, beetles, katydids, and crickets, along with spiders and other arthropods. It hunts by sitting quietly on low to mid-level perches and making short sallies to capture prey. On occasion it may take small lizards or frogs when available. Prey is swallowed whole or torn with the bill.
Preferred Environment
Most hunting occurs along forest edges, light gaps, trails, and near streams where insects are abundant. It also forages within dense understory layers and vine tangles where it can ambush passing prey.
