The Simeulue scops owl is an owl species endemic to the island of Simeulue, Indonesia.
Region
Northwest Sumatra offshore islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across Simeulue Island, mainly where patches of native lowland rainforest remain. It uses primary and secondary forest, forest edges, and wooded farmland with mature trees. Daytime roosts are in dense foliage; at night it hunts from low to mid-canopy perches. Nesting typically occurs in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small scops-owl is confined to Simeulue, a forested island off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is most readily detected by its repetitive, mellow hoots at night rather than by sight. The species relies on tree cavities for nesting and is sensitive to large-scale forest loss. Habitat degradation from logging and agricultural expansion is considered its main threat.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, silent flights with rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Primarily nocturnal and most active soon after dusk. Usually encountered as single birds or territorial pairs that duet. Nests in tree cavities, where the female incubates while the male provisions; clutch size is small, typically 1–3 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, evenly spaced hoots or whistles, often delivered in long sequences from a concealed perch. Pairs may alternate or overlap notes, creating a duet that carries through forest at night.
Plumage
Mottled and streaked brown with fine pale and dark vermiculation; often shows a rufous-brown morph. Compact scops-owl with prominent ear tufts and a defined facial disc.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and roaches. Will also take spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos or frogs. Prey is usually taken by short sallies from a perch or by gleaning from foliage and trunks.
Preferred Environment
Hunts along forest edges, clearings, and semi-open understory within lowland rainforest. Also forages in agroforestry areas and plantations where tall trees remain.
