Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka

3. Serendib Scops Owl- Otus thilohoffmanni

Serendib Scops owl is a recent addition to Sri Lanka's endemic list and a very rare and elusive species found in wet low lands up to mid hills.
This small owl is well camouflaged in his uniform rufous colour upper parts with tiny black spots and orange/yellow eyes.
This species is nocturnal and territorial, and prefers dense forests. Seen in Pairs or single .when exited it forms a false ear tufts but not seen while resting.
Call is soft and short but far caring.
This species is listed as globally threatened

Colouration/ID

Rufous upper parts with tiny black spots, under parts pale rufous with black spots, Whitish Bill, and Pinkish white legs. Face is also Rufous but misses the black markings. Ear tufts are seen only when exited or in alert. Eyes Orange or Yellow
Juveniles and females got Yellow Iris while males got orange.