![Serendib Scops Owl](/img/images/large/26820_serendib-scops-owl__otus-thilohoffmanni_kudawa-village-area-sabaragamuwa-sri-lanka_20240218_1_1000.jpg)
Serendib Scops Owl
Otus thilohoffmanni
Kudawa Village area. Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka - February 18 2024
The Serendib Scops Owl was first noticed by ornithologist Deepal Warakagoda. First by call only, but 6 years later, in 2001, it was seen for the first time. It was officially described as a new species in 2004. This small owl is endangered by habitat loss in its tiny range, where only a few hundred individuals remain. However, if one visits Sinharaja, the local rangers put in an extra effort to help you find one.