Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू - Birds Around Me 0247

The Indian Scops Owl, locally known as उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, or भूरा उल्लू, is one of the most familiar nocturnal birds across India. Despite its small size, this owl is a master of camouflage and an enchanting presence in forests, gardens, and even near villages.  

Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू
Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू
Jabalpur, April 2025


Measuring about 23–25 cm in length, the Indian Scops Owl is a compact bird with distinctive ear tufts, grey-brown plumage, and streaked underparts. Its large, dark eyes stand out against its mottled face, giving it a striking yet cryptic look. The plumage blends seamlessly with tree bark, making it difficult to spot during the day when it roosts quietly in hollows or dense foliage.  

This owl is strictly nocturnal, becoming active after dusk. It feeds mainly on insects, small reptiles, and occasionally tiny mammals. Its call is a series of soft, frog-like hoots, often heard at night in wooded areas. During the day, it remains motionless, relying on its camouflage to avoid detection.  

The Indian Scops Owl is widely distributed across South Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. It thrives in forests, wooded gardens, and agricultural landscapes, showing remarkable adaptability to human presence.  


Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe


Birds Around Me - Ashutosh Jhureley


Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू Jabalpur, April 2025
Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू
Jabalpur, April 2025


Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू Jabalpur, April 2025
Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena) उल्लू, छोटा उल्लू, भूरा उल्लू
Jabalpur, April 2025



#BirdsOfIndia #Vulture #BirdsAroundMe #Birding #BirdWatching #IndiAves

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Birds Around Me 0160 - Black Kite काली चील (Milvus migrans)

Bird Stories - Interesting Facts - Common Kingfisher

Birds Around Me 0083 - Common Kingfisher छोटा किलकिला, राम चिरैया, शरीफन, निता मछराला (Alcedo atthis)