Thai National Parks

Species of Thailand

Oriental scops owl

Otus sunia

Brian Houghton Hodgson, 1836

In Thai: นกเค้าหูยาวเล็ก

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

Description

This is a small, variable plumaged, yellow eyed owl with ear-tufts which are not always erect. It can be distinguish 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".

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 during February–April.

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Category / Seasonal Status

BCST Category: Recorded in an apparently wild state within the last 50 years

BCST Seasonal statuses:

  • Resident or presumed resident
  • Non-breeding visitor

Scientific classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Strigiformes
Family
Strigidae
Genus
Otus
Species
Otus sunia

Common names

  • Thai: นกเค้าหูยาวเล็ก

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Least Concern (IUCN3.1)

Range Map

Distribution map of Oriental scops owl, Otus sunia in Thailand
  • Bangkok Province
  • Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai
  • Doi Inthanon National Park
  • Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park
  • Hat Chao Mai National Park
  • Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi
  • Kaeng Krachan National Park
  • Khao Luang National Park
  • Khao Phra - Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Ko Samui District, Surat Thani
  • Kui Buri National Park
  • Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai
  • Mae Ping National Park
  • Mae Wong National Park
  • Pai District, Mae Hong Son
  • Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
  • Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Phu Suan Sai National Park
  • Phuket Province
  • Sri Phang-nga National Park
  • Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani
  • Thap Lan National Park
Range map of Otus sunia in Thailand