The Sunda owlet is a small owl from Borneo and Sumatra.
Region
Sundaland (Sumatra and Borneo)
Typical Environment
Occurs in primary and secondary lowland to foothill rainforest across Sumatra and Borneo, including forest edges and selectively logged areas. It tolerates degraded habitats better than many forest specialists, provided there are remaining trees with cavities for nesting. The species uses riverine corridors, forest margins, and clearings to hunt. It is mostly absent from open agricultural land far from forest cover, but can persist near villages adjacent to woodland. Local presence is patchy, tied to suitable canopy structure and prey availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sunda owlet is a small forest owl of Sundaland, found on Sumatra and Borneo. Like other owlets, it often shows a pair of striking nape ‘eye-spots’ that can startle predators. It is frequently active at dawn and daylight hours, making it more often heard and occasionally seen than many tropical owls.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick dashes between perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs during the breeding season. Nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes, with the pair defending a small territory. The species roosts quietly in dense foliage and may sun itself at forest edges on calm mornings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives a series of clear, evenly spaced whistled notes that accelerate slightly, often delivered at dawn and dusk. Pairs may duet, with the second bird answering in a slightly different pitch. Calls can carry far in forest, aiding territory advertisement.
