Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010).
Status LC
Habitat loss due to human development and conversion to agriculture are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Andaman Scops Owl (Otus balli) [XC213918]
by Ding Li Yong from Chidiya Tapu (KM2), South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India (song)
Andaman Scops Owl (Otus balli) [XC496074]
by Ding Li Yong from Chidiya Tapu, South Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India (song)
Subspecies
Probably forms superspecies with Flores Scops-Owl (Otus alfredi) and Mountain Scops-Owl (Otus spilocephalus). Has been considered conspecific with African Sandy Scops-Owl (Otus icterorhynchus) on the basis of morphology, but significant differences in plumage and vocal characters indicate that the two are better treated as separate species. Some authors have included Sumatran form "stresemanni" of Mountain Scops-Owl (Otus spilocephalus) as a subspecies of present species, or with the two forming a superspecies.