Oriental scops owl

The oriental scops owl (Otus sunia) is a species of scops owl found in eastern and southern Asia.

Oriental scops owl
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Strigiformes
Family:	Strigidae
Genus:	Otus
Species:	O. sunia
Binomial name
Otus sunia (Hodgson, 1836)

Description

This is a small, variably plumaged, yellow-eyed owl with ear-tufts which are not always erect. It can be distinguished from the collared scops owl by its whitish scapular stripe, well-marked underparts, and lack of pale collar. There are two colour morphs, grey and rufous; intermediate forms also occur. Sexes are similar in appearance. Individuals may freeze with eyes half-closed when disturbed. The species has a repeated liquid call sounding like "tuk tok torok".^[2] Adults have higher-pitched calls than juveniles.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

The species has an extremely wide distribution across eastern and southern Asia, and is found in dry deciduous forests from Russia to Thailand. The owl nests in holes in trees, especially Mahua trees,^[3] during February–April.^[1]