Moheli Scops-Owl

The Moheli scops owl has two colour morphs, the rufous morph has reddish-brown plumage which is and weakly marked with dark streaks and bars; the brown morph has a darker brown plumage, which is boldly marked with streaks and vermiculations. Both morphs have yellow-green eyes, grey legs and black beaks. Their length is approximately 22 cm (8.7 in).

Voice. The Moheli scops owl is highly vocal, producing hissing whistles and screeches in a series of five notes, as well as screeching.

This owl is found only on the mountain in the centre of the island of Mohéli, the total range covering 21 km2 (8.1 sq mi), including the highest point of the ridge, at 790 m (2,590 ft) in altitude, and the adjacent upper slopes. It occurs in dense humid forest, which is rich in epiphytes between 450 and 790 m (1,480 and 2,590 ft).

The Moheli scops owl is strictly nocturnal and becomes active only after sunset. Calling males have been recorded in September. The diet is probably mainly made up of insects.