Collared Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) – A Detailed Study

The Collared Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) is a small to medium-sized nocturnal owl found in South Asia. This species is highly adaptable, often residing in forests, urban parks, and even human settlements. Known for its camouflaging plumage, it is an expert at blending into tree bark, making it difficult to spot during the day. Below is a detailed analysis of its taxonomy, morphology, habitat, special adaptations, and its presence in Sundarban.

1. Taxonomy & Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Strigiformes
• Family: Strigidae
• Genus: Otus
• Species: Otus bakkamoena

The Collared Scops Owl is part of the Scops Owl group, which includes various small-sized, ear-tufted owls found across Asia and Europe. It is sometimes confused with the Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia), but differs in size and call patterns.

2. Morphology & Identification

The Collared Scops Owl is small yet robust, with distinctive ear tufts and intricate camouflaging plumage.

Size & Measurements

• Length: 23–25 cm
• Wingspan: 55–65 cm
• Weight: 150–250 g

Plumage & Markings

• Upperparts: Mottled grayish-brown with streaks, resembling tree bark for camouflage.
• Underparts: Buff-colored with dark brown streaks.
• Face: Pale whitish facial disk with a distinct dark brown collar around the neck (hence the name “Collared” Scops Owl).
• Eyes: Large, bright yellow, providing excellent night vision.
• Ear Tufts: Small but noticeable, raised when alert.

Flight Characteristics

• Silent, gliding flight, perfect for sneaking up on prey.
• Short bursts of low, rapid flight, usually between trees.

3. Habitat & Distribution

The Collared Scops Owl is highly versatile and can thrive in a wide range of environments.

Primary Habitats

• Dry deciduous forests
• Mangrove forests (including Sundarban)
• Urban parks & gardens
• Plantations & farmlands
• Scrublands & woodlands

Geographical Range

• South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan)
• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia)
• Southern China & Taiwan

This species is known to adapt to urban environments, often roosting in temples, old buildings, and large garden trees.

4. Diet & Hunting Behavior

The Collared Scops Owl is a nocturnal carnivore, preying on:

• Large insects (beetles, grasshoppers, moths)
• Rodents (mice, shrews)
• Small birds & reptiles (lizards, geckos)
• Amphibians (frogs, small toads)

Hunting Strategy

• Hunts at night, using silent flight to ambush prey.
• Uses sharp talons to grab prey from the ground or tree branches.
• Often perches motionless while scanning for movement.

5. Special Features & Adaptations

• Exceptional Camouflage: Blends perfectly into tree bark, making it difficult to detect.
• Silent Flight: Specialized wing feathers allow noiseless movement, a key advantage for stealth hunting.
• Nocturnal Vision & Hearing:
  • Large yellow eyes provide sharp vision in low light.
  • Asymmetrical ears allow pinpoint accuracy in locating prey in darkness.
• Vocal Communication:
  • Emits a series of soft hoots, often used to mark territory.
  • Males call to attract mates and warn rivals.

6. Conservation Status & Threats

• IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)
• Population Trend: Stable, with a widespread presence.

Major Threats

• Deforestation & Habitat Loss
• Use of Pesticides, affecting insect prey populations
• Illegal Capture for the Pet Trade, due to myths associating owls with superstitions

Despite these threats, the Collared Scops Owl remains widespread and adaptable.

7. Presence of Collared Scops Owl in Sundarban

The Sundarban, the world’s largest mangrove forest, provides a suitable habitat for the Collared Scops Owl, especially in fringe areas with dryland trees.

Why is it Found in Sundarban?

• Mangrove Forests: Though mainly found in deciduous forests, the mangrove regions with tall, dry trees provide good roosting sites.
• Rodent & Insect Abundance: The mangrove ecosystem has a rich supply of insects and small vertebrates, ensuring ample food.
• Presence of Human Settlements: Villages on the outskirts of Sundarban have old buildings and orchards, which attract this species.

Sightings in Sundarban

• More commonly seen in village areas surrounding the mangrove forest.
• Sometimes spotted resting in tree hollows near the forest edges.
• Rarely ventures deep into the dense Sundarban mangroves, where larger fish-eating owls dominate.

Expand your knowledge on Wikipedia – follow this link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collared_scops_owl

The Collared Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) is a small yet highly adaptable owl, well known for its camouflaging plumage, silent hunting, and wide habitat preference. While not a primary resident of Sundarban, it is occasionally found in the fringe mangrove areas and nearby human settlements.

Due to its strong territorial nature and unique appearance, it is often heard hooting at night in rural and urban areas alike.

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