Endemic Nocturnal Birds of the Andamans

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Endemic Nocturnal Birds of the AndamansThe Andaman Islands are a birders paradise. The archipelago is blessed with 21 species of endemic birds, which are not found anywhere else on earth. Most of these are active during the daytime; however, five species (and one subspecies) are exclusively nocturnal. These endemic nocturnal birds of the Andamans are unquestionably the main avian attractions that draw in visitors from afar.

Endemic Nocturnal Birds of the Andamans

Birdwatching Asia had the pleasure of visiting these idyllic islands in late November 2024. Throughout our adventure, we were guided by one of the local bird guides based in Port Blair, Arun Singh. Without him, we probably wouldn’t have seen all the species in this article.

The photos and information in this article come mainly from our experience birding there. The main reference sources are eBird, Xeno-canto and Wikipedia. Also, check out our other articles in this series at the links below:

Number of species:

There are five species of endemic nocturnal birds of the Andamans and one endemic subspecies. They are:

  1. Andaman Nightjar (nightjar family, Caprimulgidae).
  2. Andaman Scops-Owl (typical owl family, Strigidae).
  3. Hume’s Boobook (Strigidae).
  4. Andaman Boobook (Strigidae).
  5. Andaman Masked-Owl (barn owl family, Tytonidae).

Endemic subspecies:

  1. Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden’s) (family Strigidae).

Finally, take note that apart from unexpected vagrants, the above species are the only nocturnal birds occurring regularly on the Andaman Islands.

Endemic species 

1) Andaman Nightjar (Caprimulgus andamanicus)

Roosting Andaman Nightjar
The Andaman Nightjar has exceptional camouflage.

This is the only nightjar resident on the Andaman Islands. Similar to other nightjars, this species is a master of camouflage since it has cryptic plumage. Its appearance is very similar to the widespread Large-tailed Nightjar. However, the two species have different vocalisations and don’t occur together. 

Our bird guide says the Andaman Nightjar isn’t easy to see. Indeed, most visiting birders are limited to hearing their calls only. The best time to spot them is dusk when they fly off from their roosting spots. They prefer more open woodlands and forest edges for their habitat.

Amazingly, we were lucky enough to spot one roosting on the ground, which meant fantastic viewing and photography opportunities.

2) Andaman Scops-Owl (Otus balli)

Andaman Scops-Owl perching
The Andaman Scops-Owl.

One of the many island specialist scops-owls occurring throughout Southeast Asia. In common with other scops-owls, this one is relatively small, with drab plumage and ‘ear’ tufts (may be unnoticeable, like the above photo). The upperparts are brown or grey with small spots, while the underparts are paler and plain. The eyes are bright yellow, which is especially noticeable when shone with lights. Also, note that the bill is yellow.

This bird is strictly nocturnal and prefers forest and forest edges. Most encounters are heard only. Their calls are quite distinctive, and this is the best way to confirm their presence.

According to our bird guide, this owl is one of the Andamans’ most difficult endemic nocturnal birds to see. While they’re reasonably common, their reclusive behaviour makes them notoriously difficult to spot. Moreover, they usually won’t respond to call playback. 

During our search, we had two bird guides to help us. It was particularly windy that night, and the owl wasn’t calling or responding to playback. Fortuitously, one of our guides saw it perched on an exposed wire, something it rarely does! 

3) Hume’s Boobook (Ninox obscura)

A perching Hume's Boobook
A Hume’s Boobook. Also, refer to the title image for another angle of the same individual.

The first of two boobooks (or Hawk-Owls) found in the Andamans. This owl is easy to identify, as it has a uniformly dark overall plumage. The upperparts are dark slaty-grey, while the underparts are plain dark brown (may occasionally show some streaks). Their calls are reminiscent of mainland Asia’s Brown Boobook, but the two don’t occur together.

Their favourite habitat is open country and forest edges. The birds emerge to hunt after nightfall and love to perch on low branches or wooden poles. They’re not shy and have become accustomed to humans in certain areas. Consequently, this species is rather easily seen. Indeed, during our trip, we saw several birds at close range hunting near a field not far from Chidiyatapu.

4) Andaman Boobook (Ninox affinis)

Andaman Boobook pair
A pair of Andaman Boobooks.

The second endemic boobook of the Andamans. This species is somewhat different from the previous one, with prominent brown and white streaking on its underparts. Another way to distinguish them is their calls, which differ greatly from Hume’s Boobook. 

Have a listen at the links below, and compare the two:

The Andaman Boobook inhabits forests rather than open country. Thus, they mostly don’t overlap with Hume’s Boobook in Habitat. They occur throughout the Andaman archipelago. However, like many nocturnal birds, they’re not easy to see and are best detected by their vocalisations.

During our visit to the Andamans, we saw this species only once, in a forest area near a dam 10 km south of Port Blair.

5) Andaman Masked-Owl (Tyto deroepstorffi)

Andaman Masked-Owl endemic nocturnal birds of the Andamans
Andaman Masked-Owl

Unlike the other owls on this list, the Andaman Masked-Owl belongs to a different taxonomic family, Tytonidae. It’s a close relative of the familiar Barn Owl (which doesn’t occur in the Andamans). Indeed, it’s alternatively known as the Andaman Barn Owl. 

The two species are superficially similar. However, the Andaman Masked-Owl is smaller and darker overall, especially the face and underparts. The two share similar habitat preferences, though. Like its more famous cousin, the Andaman Masked-Owl lives around human habitation and farmland and in forest edges.

We saw a pair of these birds roosting underneath the roof of a local school building at Garacharma, 5 km south of Port Blair. Thankfully, they were rather easy to see there; all we had to do was wait for the birds to come out as the sunset. Of course, we wouldn’t have known this if it weren’t for our knowledgeable guide.

Endemic subspecies

1) Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden’s) (Otus sunia modestus)

Scops-Owl Walden's
An Oriental Scops-Owl (Walden’s).

This is an endemic subspecies of the Oriental Scops-Owl that occurs throughout South and Southeast Asia as well as the Far East. Physically, it resembles its mainland cousins and many other scops-owls. The bird is small, brownish or greyish overall, with small (or absent) ‘ear’ tufts. It has piercing yellow eyes, while the bill is black.

This bird shares its range with the Andaman Scops-Owl. They resemble each other, which may cause confusion. The best way to distinguish the two apart is by their vocalisations. The Walden’s Scops-Owl makes a trembling ‘krrrrr’ call, which is markedly different from the yapping calls of the Andaman Scops-Owl.

Have a listen at the links below, and compare:

This bird ranges throughout the Andamans and occurs in a variety of habitats, including near human habitation. Our guide says this is probably the easiest night bird to see. This is because it’s quite common and readily responds to call playback. 

Conclusion

The endemic nocturnal birds of the Andamans are undoubtedly the star attractions for anyone visiting the Andamans. Their nocturnal lifestyle and endemic status mean seeing them is extra rewarding. Some are relatively easy to encounter, while others require a bit of perseverance and luck. Ultimately, searching for them is certainly worth the effort for any birders visiting these islands.

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