Moluccan scops owl

The Moluccan scops owl is an owl found in the Maluku and Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. It closely resembles the Rinjani scops owl.
The following subspecies are recognised:O. m. kalidupae - KaledupaO. m. morotensis - MorotaiO. m. leucospilus - Halmahera, Ternate, Kasiruta, and BacanO. m. obira Jany, 1955 - ObiO. m. bouruensis - BuruO. m. magicus - Seram and AmbonO. m. albiventris - west-central Lesser Sundas
The Wetar scops owl was previously considered a subspecies, but has since been split.
It has spiritual significance to the Pesaguan Dayak people. It is believed to be a sign of misfortune, as its sound is said to be reminiscent of death. This belief may protect the species from being hunted.