About the Luzon Scops Owl
The Luzon scops owl or the Luzon highland scops owl is a species of scops owl endemic to Luzon, Philippines. Not to be confused with the Philippine scops owl, sometimes referred to as the Luzon lowland scops owl, which is a more common species that shares the same range. The Luzon scops owl, however, is smaller and inhabits higher altitudes than its lowland relative.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Luzon scops owl is relatively small even among species of scops owls endemic to the Philippines. It has a body length of 18 to 19 cm with a wing length of 13.6 to 15.3 cm. Their large eyes have bright yellow irises, and their beaks are small and slender. Their tarsi are feathered, but only until about halfway through its length and they are equipped with long, sharp claws, typical of birds of prey. Characteristic of scops owls, this species has long ear tufts and an overall dark brown and rufous plumage. Horizontal dark bars irregularly streak across most of its feathers. Voice: Recorded male vocalizations appear to be more frequent at night and consist of a single note that lowers in pitch, each whistle being separated by 3 to 5 seconds of silence. Their vocalization is said to resemble that of the Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops), however the single whistle type of vocalization is characteristic of many other scops owl species.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Palawan Scops OwlOtus fuliginosusThe Palawan scops owl is an owl endemic to the Philippines only being found on the island of Palawan.
Japanese Scops OwlOtus semitorquesJapanese scops-owls are 16.5–30 cm (6.5–11.8 in) tall, and their wingspan is 60–66 cm (23.5–26 in).
Mindanao Scops OwlOtus mirusOtus mirus is a small owl, with a mean length of 19 cm and body mass of approximately 65 g.
Learn the Luzon Scops Owl for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.