Rajah scops owl


The Rajah scops owl is found in Borneo and Sumatra. There are two subspecies namely Otus brookii brookii found in Borneo and Otus brookii solokensis found in Sumatra. The bird is named after James Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak.

Description

Adults have a fierce looking face; Body overall dark brown; when perched, blackish crown and white ear tufts visible; underparts brownish with thick black streaking. Orange iris distinct. The subspecies Otus brookii solokensis is different in plumage from O. b. brookii in having darker underparts; streaking thicker and nuchal collar less distinct. Juveniles of O. b. brookii remain un-described. O. b.solokensis has rufous upperparts and vermiculations on the underparts.

Vocalizations

O.b.solokensis has an explosive "owh" or "Owh-Owh" barking call lasting about a half second and repeated irregularly.

Habitat

It is uncommon in montane forests above an altitude of 1100m. It can be found perched in the lower canopy.