As the sun sets behind the majestic peaks, a creature stirs in the depths of the forest. With a silent swoop, the Mountain Scops Owl takes flight, its wings gliding effortlessly through the crisp mountain air.
With keen eyesight and acute hearing, this elusive species is a master of the night, a silent sentinel perched high atop the trees. Its coat of feathers, a mixture of brown, grey, and white, camouflages it perfectly against the bark of the trees
| Serial Number | Characteristic | Description |
| 1 | Common name | Mountain Scops Owl |
| 2 | Scientific name | Otus spilocephalus |
| 3 | Colour | Greyish-brown with streaks and spots |
| 4 | Average length in cms | 19-21 cm |
| 5 | Average height in cms | 20-25 cm |
| 6 | Type of bird | Forest bird / Nocturnal |
| 7 | Found in India in states | Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh |
| 8 | Habitat | Forested mountains, especially oak and rhododendron forests |
| 9 | Status | Least Concern |
Features
The Mountain Scops Owl, also known as Otus spilocephalus, is a medium-sized owl species that inhabits the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive appearance with several unique physical features that allow it to thrive in its natural habitat.
The Mountain Scops Owl has a compact and rounded body, with a relatively short tail and broad wings. It stands at an average height of 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches) and has a wingspan of approximately 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 inches).
Its plumage is predominantly brown with intricate patterns of grey and white, providing excellent camouflage against the bark of the trees it inhabits. The feathers on its head are raised into ear tufts, which give it a distinct, owl-like appearance.
Its eyes are large and round, with bright yellow irises that help it see in low-light conditions. Its facial disc, a ring of feathers around its eyes, is slightly flattened, and serves to amplify sounds to enhance its hearing abilities.
The Mountain Scops Owl’s feet are well adapted for hunting in its mountainous habitat. Its toes are feathered, which helps keep them warm in the chilly high-altitude environment, and the claws are long and sharp, allowing it to grasp its prey tightly.
In terms of size, the Mountain Scops Owl is relatively small compared to other owl species. However, its unique physical adaptations and keen senses make it a formidable hunter and an important member of the mountainous ecosystem
Habitat and Food
The Mountain Scops Owl is a species of owl that is primarily found in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia. Its habitat includes a variety of different ecosystems, including temperate and subtropical forests, montane meadows, and rocky cliffs. This owl species has been known to inhabit elevations ranging from 900 to 3,800 meters (2,950 to 12,500 feet) above sea level.
As a nocturnal predator, the Mountain Scops Owl feeds primarily on small mammals, such as rodents and shrews, as well as insects, such as moths and beetles. It also occasionally preys on other birds, including small songbirds and other owl species.
The Mountain Scops Owl hunts by perching on a high vantage point and scanning the surrounding area for prey. Once it spots its prey, it swoops down and captures it with its sharp talons. Its exceptional hearing allows it to locate prey even in complete darkness, making it a highly skilled predator.
Nesting and Nurturing
The Mountain Scops Owl are a solitary species of owl that breeds during the spring and summer months. They are known to be monogamous and typically lay only one clutch of eggs per year.
The female Mountain Scops Owl typically lays between 2 to 4 eggs, which are small and white. The eggs are usually laid in a tree cavity or nest box, which the pair has either excavated themselves or found an abandoned cavity suitable for use.
The eggs are incubated for about 28 to 30 days, with the female primarily responsible for incubating the eggs while the male brings food to her. Once the eggs hatch, the young owlets are initially covered in white downy feathers and are helpless and dependent on their parents for food and protection.
Both parents take part in feeding and caring for the young, with the male bringing food to the female and then feeding the young owlets. As the young grow, they develop their flight feathers and begin to exercise their wings, preparing for their first flights.
Once the young are capable of flight, they begin to leave the nest and explore their surroundings. However, they continue to be dependent on their parents for several more weeks as they learn to hunt and fend for themselves.
The Mountain Scops Owl’s nesting habits and parental care play an important role in the survival of the species, ensuring the growth and development of the next generation. However, the species is threatened by habitat loss and other human impacts, making conservation efforts critical to their continued survival.
IUCN Status
The Mountain Scops Owl (Otus spilocephalus) is currently listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that the species is not currently considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
However, while the overall population of the Mountain Scops Owl is thought to be stable, there are some localized threats to the species. Habitat loss and degradation, caused by human activities such as deforestation and agricultural expansion, are considered the primary threats to the species. Additionally, the Mountain Scops Owl is sometimes hunted for its feathers or captured for the pet trade, further threatening its population in some areas.
Conservation efforts for the Mountain Scops Owl are currently focused on habitat protection and restoration, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of conserving this species and its habitat. By addressing these threats and working to conserve the species and its habitat, it is hoped that the Mountain Scops Owl will continue to thrive in the wild for many years to com
