18 Majestic Owls of Vietnam: Discover the Enchanting World of Vietnam’s Nocturnal Raptors

Owls of Vietnam – Strigidae

Strigidae, commonly known as the typical owls, is a family of nocturnal birds of prey found all over the world, including in Vietnam. These owls are known for their distinctive round facial disks, which help to focus sound, and their forward-facing eyes, which give them excellent depth perception for hunting in low-light conditions.

There are 18 Owls of Vietnam and a number of different species of Strigidae, including the Collared Owlet, Brown Wood Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, and many more. These birds are found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands and agricultural areas.

Typical Owls are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and hooked beaks to capture prey such as small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are also known for their distinctive calls, which can often be heard at night in areas where they are present.

Despite their nocturnal nature, typical owls are sometimes seen during the day, especially in areas where they have become habituated to human presence. However, due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors, many species of Strigidae in Vietnam are threatened with declining populations and conservation concerns

Habitat & Distribution

They can be found in dense forests, grasslands, mangroves, wetlands, and even in urban areas. However, different species of Strigidae have their own specific habitat preferences.

For example, the Brown Wood Owl (Strix leptogrammica) is found in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, montane forests, and even secondary forests. Meanwhile, the Collared Scops Owl (Otus lettia) is found in a variety of habitats such as subtropical and tropical dry forests, shrublands, and even in urban areas with trees.

The Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo) is found in primary and secondary forests, while the Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia) is found in forested areas, as well as in semi-arid regions. The Mottled Wood Owl (Strix ocellata) is found in primary and secondary forests, and may also be found near rivers or in wooded urban areas

Strigidae, or typical owls, have a wide distribution in Vietnam, with several species found throughout the country. The distribution of these owls is closely tied to their preferred habitats, which include forests, woodlands, and savannas.

In northern Vietnam, Strigidae species such as the tawny owl (Strix aluco), the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis), and the Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia) can be found in the evergreen forests of the Hoang Lien Mountains and other mountainous regions. The Collared Scops Owl (Otus lettia) and the Brown Wood Owl (Strix leptogrammica) can also be found in these areas, as well as in secondary forests and plantations.

In central Vietnam, the brown wood owl and Oriental Scops Owl are common in the forests of the Annamite Range, while the Barred Eagle-Owl (Bubo sumatranus) and Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl (Bubo nipalensis) can be found in the montane forests of the Truong Son Mountains.

In southern Vietnam, Strigidae species such as the brown wood owl and the collared scops owl are common in the forests of the Central Highlands, while the Spotted Wood Owl (Strix seloputo) can be found in the lowland forests and mangroves of the Mekong Delta.

Behavior & Reprodution

One of the most commonly seen Strigidae in Vietnam is the Brown Wood Owl. This species is distributed throughout the country and can be found in forests, including primary and secondary forests, as well as in rural and suburban areas. They are known to be solitary birds and are often seen perched on branches during the day, waiting for their prey.

Another species of Strigidae found in Vietnam is the Collared Scops Owl. This owl is more common in the northern and central parts of the country, particularly in the highlands. They are nocturnal birds and feed on a wide range of prey, including insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

The Oriental Scops Owl is another species of Strigidae found in Vietnam. They are more commonly found in the central and southern parts of the country, particularly in lowland forests. They are nocturnal birds and feed on insects and small mammals.

Most Strigidae in Vietnam are not migratory and are year-round residents. They are known to have a variety of calls, including hoots, whistles, and screams. Strigidae are also known for their excellent hearing and silent flight, making them effective hunters in the dark.

In terms of behavior, Strigidae are known to be solitary birds, only coming together during the breeding season. They are monogamous and will typically lay one to two eggs per clutch. The young are cared for by both parents, with the female incubating the eggs and the male bringing food to the nest.