The Wetar scops owl is an owl endemic to Wetar of the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Moluccan scops owl, but was split as a distinct species by the IUCN Red List and BirdLife International in 2014, and the International Ornithological Congress followed suit in 2022.
Region
Maluku Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Wetar Island, where it inhabits primary and secondary forest, wooded valleys, and forest edges. It also uses dry monsoon forest, bamboo thickets, and semi-open woodlands with scattered tall trees. The species may venture into agroforestry mosaics at night if large trees and cavities remain. Roosts are typically in dense foliage or vine tangles close to tree trunks. Breeding requires natural cavities, so mature trees are important.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Wetar scops owl is confined to Wetar Island in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands and was elevated from the Moluccan scops owl complex after taxonomic review. It is a nocturnal, highly camouflaged owl that relies on cryptic plumage and stillness to avoid detection. Its vocalizations are key to locating it in the field, especially in dense woodland. Habitat alteration on a single small island can disproportionately affect its population.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, low flights through trees
Social Behavior
Usually roosts singly and becomes active at dusk. Pairs defend territories during the breeding season and nest in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes. Clutches are small and both parents likely attend the young. Outside breeding, it remains secretive and is most often detected by voice.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A simple, repeated hoot or whistled note delivered at regular intervals, sometimes in short series. Calls may accelerate or become more insistent during territorial exchanges. Soft trills and chuckles are used at close range between pair members.
Plumage
Compact scops owl with finely streaked and mottled plumage, typically in brown or rufous morphs with cryptic barring. Shows a defined facial disk with darker rim and small, erectable ear tufts. White scapular spotting forms a broken line on the shoulder, aiding camouflage.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and katydids. It may also take spiders and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos or frogs when available. Hunting is typically from a low perch with short sallies to capture prey, or by gleaning from foliage and trunks.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and along tracks where insects are abundant. It also visits semi-open habitats and village fringes at night if mature trees are present. Perch-hunting is favored under the canopy or along ecotones where cover and prey density coincide.
