The Serendib Scops-Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest ornithological discoveries and the country’s most recently described endemic bird, first identified in 2004. Measuring only around 16–17 cm, this tiny owl is marked by its rufous-brown plumage, bright orange-yellow eyes, and the absence of ear-tufts that makes it stand out among other scops-owls.
Found exclusively in the lowland rainforests of southwest Sri Lanka, it is a nocturnal and secretive species, often detected only by its soft ‘pu-u-u’ call at dusk. With an estimated population of just a few hundred individuals, the Serendib Scops-Owl is classified as Endangered, threatened by the steady decline of its rainforest habitat.
A true highlight for birding in Sri Lanka and a symbol of the island’s unique biodiversity, this species is a dream sighting for anyone interested in wildlife photography or joining birding tours to experience the country’s remarkable natural heritage.
Keep in touch to learn more about birding in sri lanka