Sangihe Scops-Owl

The Sangihe scops owl has a brown complexion to it. However, its facial disk has a pinch of white above the eyes. It has sporadic black streaks and patches, as each bird is unique and excellent for camouflage in its forest habitat. The upper parts are brown with dark shaft streaks. The bird's eyes are yellow with red pupils. It has tan feathers in its midsection. Along with that, the Sangihe scops owl's call sounds similar to a frail whistle. Its call is high pitched and can last from 7–8 seconds long.

These birds are exclusive to the islands of Sangihe, mainly in North Sangihe in Southeast Asia next to Indonesia. They favor forests and mixed plantations. It is common and widespread on the island. They commonly reside in agricultural areas with trees up to 1150 feet and bushes.

Their diet consists of eating large insects, earthworms, small reptiles, mammals and birds.

The Sangihe scops owl is most likely part of a species group centered on Otus manadensis. Their original specimens were collected in 1866 and 1867. These owls were thought to be part of Otus magicus for a little bit. However, in 1996, examination of photographs and vocalization revealed that their species had differences from both O. mandensis and O. magicus. These birds are very closely related to O. mandensis because of their strong similarities, but are considered to be a separate species. The Sangihe scops owl is one of the 17 species of scops owls that can be found in Indonesia and is a member of the family Strigidae. The nocturnal Sangihe scops owl is distinguished by its unique sounds, which resemble high-pitched whistles. It is monotypic, no subspecies are recognized.