Whispers of the Rainforest: The Enigmatic Serendib Scops Owl of Sri Lanka – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : endemicbirds.blogspot.com Nestled deep within the lush, mist-laden rainforests of Sri Lanka lives a rare and mysterious bird—the Serendib Scops Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni), a species that eluded science until the dawn of the 21st century. First discovered in 2001 by ornithologist Dr. Deepal Warakagoda, this small and elusive owl remains one of the most remarkable avian discoveries of recent decades, symbolizing both the island’s incredible biodiversity and the urgent need for rainforest conservation. A Unique Discovery The Serendib Scops Owl is the first new bird species to be discovered in Sri Lanka since 1868. What makes this owl particularly unique is that it lacks the prominent ear tufts seen in most other scops owls, giving it a more rounded appearance. Its plumage is rich brown with subtle markings, allowing it to blend ...
May 2, 2025
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Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi
Tagged Birds of Sinharaja Forest, Birdwatching in Sri Lanka, Endangered owls in Asia, Exotic owls of the world, Otus thilohoffmanni, Rare owls of Sri Lanka, Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lankan endemic birds, Wet zone forest birds Sri Lanka, wildlife of Sri Lanka
