The latest on the Indian Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena) centers around a rare and significant sighting near the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Karnataka in October 2025. This marks the first officially recorded and photographed occurrence of the species in that region, sparking renewed ornithological interest and highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.​
Recent Highlights

• A team of birdwatchers confirmed the Indian Scops-Owl’s presence in rocky scrublands near Hampi, Karnataka, which is a new locality for the species and may indicate a wider ecological range than previously believed.​
• The region boasts a diverse avifauna, with at least seven different owl species, but the Indian Scops-Owl had until now not been visually recorded there.​
• The bird was identified by its characteristic call and camouflaged plumage, which makes it challenging to spot during the day.​

Habitat and Conservation

• The Indian Scops-Owl is native to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Iran, inhabiting forests, woodlands, plantations, and even garden areas with dense trees.​
• Its IUCN Red List status remains Least Concern, but threats include habitat loss and pesticide use.​
• The recent discovery highlights the importance of continued habitat protection, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like Hampi and Daroji.​

Ecology and Features

• The owl is a small, nocturnal hunter, feeding mainly on insects but also small vertebrates.​
• Measuring about 20–25 cm long, it is known for its ear-like tufts and cryptic coloration, which help it blend into its environment.​
• The Indian Scops-Owl breeds mainly in tree hollows, and both parents care for the young.​

Overall, this new sighting is considered significant both for birdwatchers and for conservationists monitoring species diversity in Indian dryland ecosystems.

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