description Sunda Scops-Owl Overview
The Sunda scops-owl is a nocturnal owl of Southeast Asia associated with the Sunda region, including parts of the Indonesian archipelago and Malaysia. It belongs to the scops-owl group within the true owl family, Strigidae, and is adapted to wooded habitats. Its range across islands and mainland areas reflects the diversity of forest environments in this part of Asia.
help Sunda Scops-Owl FAQ
Where does the Sunda scops-owl live?
It is associated with the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra, and Java, rather than with one single island. It is a small typical owl in the family Strigidae, commonly listed as Otus lempiji. [eBird species guide](https://ebird.org/species/susowl2/ID-NU)
Can the Sunda scops-owl live near people?
Yes. It is reported from forests as well as gardens, plantations, and parks, and is relatively tolerant of human habitation. [eBird species guide](https://ebird.org/species/susowl2/ID-NU)
How can I identify a Sunda scops-owl at night?
It has small ear tufts and very dark brown, almost black eyes, but it is often heard before it is seen. Its call is described as a series of widely spaced, yelping hoots. [eBird species guide](https://ebird.org/species/susowl2/ID-NU)
Why do some bird lists classify the Sunda scops-owl differently?
Some references treat Otus lempiji as a full species, while others have treated it as a subspecies of Otus bakkamoena. That taxonomic disagreement is why a field guide may use a different name for the same Sunda-region owl. [iNaturalist taxonomy record](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/144587-Otus-lempiji)
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