Philippine Scops Owl

Philippine Scops Owl key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Little data

Size

23-28 cm

Diet

Carnivorous: insects and small mammals such as mice

Temperament

A sedentary nocturnal bird of the forest understorey that forms strong pair bonds and rears young together.

Cage

A forest understorey bird, it needs a cage or room with leafy cover and a nest box.

Vocalization

It calls at night; little detail on its voice is documented.

Feeding

It eats insects and small mammals; combine insects with whole mice and weigh the bird to set rations.

Notes

It is a different species from the Indian scops owl, and plumage changes greatly from chick to adult. Only foreign captive-bred birds are traded; wild birds in Japan, including native owls, may not in principle be caught or kept under the wildlife law.

About Philippine Scops Owl

Discover the Philippine Scops Owl's features, temperament, and care essentials — a striking scops owl found only in the Philippines, with reddish-orange eyes and dark streaked plumage.

7 things to know before welcoming a Philippine Scops Owl

1. 1Advanced-Level Care Required

   The Philippine Scops Owl is considered a challenging species to keep. It calls for a solid understanding of its natural behavior and prior experience with owls. This is not a good first owl for beginners.

2. 2Recreating a Forest Habitat

   In the wild, this owl lives in the forest understory, so its enclosure should include hiding spots and perches that let it feel secure. Careful attention to temperature and humidity is also important.

3. 3An Insect and Small-Prey Diet

   In the wild, it hunts insects and small mammals, making it a carnivorous species. Captive care requires a consistent supply of nutritionally balanced food.

4. 4A Nocturnal Rhythm

   This owl is mainly active at night, so it needs a quiet space to rest undisturbed during the day. Care routines should be planned around its natural schedule.

5. 5Limited Lifespan Data

   Documented lifespan information for the Philippine Scops Owl is limited. When planning for long-term care, it is important to keep this uncertainty in mind.

6. 6Striking Eyes and Ear Tufts

   Its large eyes rimmed in reddish-orange and upright ear tufts give it a distinctive look. Many individuals are sensitive, so it is best to observe them calmly from a respectful distance.

7. 7Listed Under CITES Appendix II

   The Philippine Scops Owl is listed under CITES Appendix II. This is worth understanding before considering bringing one home.

Frequently asked questions about Philippine Scops Owl

Q.Is the Philippine Scops Owl suitable for beginners?

A.This species is considered advanced-level to keep. It is best suited to keepers who already have experience caring for owls.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults typically reach a total length of about 23 to 28 cm. That makes it one of the larger scops owl species.

Q.What is its lifespan?

A.Documented lifespan data for this species is currently limited, so no clear figure is available. It is best to plan for long-term care with that uncertainty in mind.

Q.What is its temperament like?

A.In the wild it lives in the forest understory and is considered a somewhat sensitive bird. Its upright ear tufts and striking eyes give it a distinctive presence.

Q.Are there any legal considerations?

A.This species is listed under CITES Appendix II. It is worth confirming this point before deciding to bring one home.

Useful tools for Philippine Scops Owl care

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