The Sangihe scops owl is an owl species endemic to the Sangihe Island of Indonesia.
Region
Wallacea (Sangihe Island)
Typical Environment
The species is restricted to the island of Sangihe, where it favors remaining native evergreen and montane forest, forest edge, and dense secondary growth. It is most frequently encountered in and around the Sahendaruman crater forest, the island’s largest intact block of habitat. Birds often roost in dense foliage during the day and emerge at dusk to hunt along forest edges and clearings. Although it can use secondary habitats, it relies on mature trees for nesting cavities and is sensitive to ongoing forest loss.
Altitude Range
300–1100 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small scops-owl is confined to Sangihe Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, with most records from the remaining forest on the Sahendaruman Massif. It is primarily nocturnal and often detected by its repetitive, mellow whistles. Like many scops-owls, it nests in natural tree cavities, making the loss of mature forest a key threat. Habitat degradation and fragmentation have driven population declines, and conservation relies on protecting the last tracts of native forest.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, agile flights through forest understory
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or pairs, especially during the breeding season. Pairs likely nest in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes and defend small territories. Adults provide prolonged care at the nest, with the female incubating while the male provisions food.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a repetitive series of mellow, whistled notes given at regular intervals, often delivered from a concealed perch. Calls may accelerate or duet softly between partners, especially at dusk and during moonlit nights.
Plumage
Compact scops-owl with finely barred and mottled brown to rufous-brown plumage, subtle streaking on the underparts, and small but distinct ear tufts. The facial disc is well defined with darker rim and a contrasting pale throat forming a collar-like patch. Upperparts show fine vermiculation and spotting that provide excellent camouflage against bark.
Diet
Primarily takes large insects such as beetles, crickets, katydids, and moths, captured by perch-and-pounce hunting. It occasionally supplements its diet with small vertebrates like geckos or frogs when available. Prey is swallowed whole or torn into manageable pieces with the hooked bill.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, gaps, and along shaded trails where insects are abundant. It also hunts within dense understory and around agroforestry plots adjacent to forest, returning to sheltered roosts by day.
