The Philippine Scops Owl (Otus megalotis) is a common owl, endemic to the Philippines, belonging to the family of the typical owls Strigidae. It is one of sixteen owl species in the Philippines.

 

Description

This small owl grows to a length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and a body mass of 180–310 g (6.3–11 oz). Their big forward-facing eyes are dark with an orange-red rim. Their crown, ear tufts and feathers are dark brown, with dark streaks above. The facial disk has a dark rim. The forehead has a whitish pale colour. They have big erect ears, as their name "megalotis" indicates. Their hooting call sounds like "oik oik oik."

 

Behaviour

Philippine Scops Owls prey at night on insects. They live alone or in monogamous pairs. They breed throughout the year, laying clutches of 1-2 eggs. They nest in trees holes of forests of the Philippine lowlands. They can equally be found in the pine forests of Luzon.