Moheli scops owl
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Otus moheliensis

The Moheli scops owl (Otus moheliensis ) is a scops owl endemic to the island of Mohéli, one of the Comoro Islands.

Appearance

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).

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Countries
Biogeographical realms

This owl is found on only the mountain in the centre of the island of Mohéli, the total range covering 21 square kilometres (8.1 sq mi), including the highest point of the ridge, at 790 metres (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).

Habits and Lifestyle

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.

Lifestyle
Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Population

Population number

The species was only described in 1998. It has an estimated population of 400, and is classified as critically endangered due to it being restricted to such as small area, which is being rapidly deforested, In 1995, only five percent of the island still had intact, dense, humid forest. Ae well as habitat loss, other threats to the Moheli scops owl include hunting, and black rats which may eat its eggs and young but also compete with it for food. At present, the montane forest where the Moheli scops owl occurs is not protected.

References

1. Moheli scops owl Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moheli_scops_owl
2. Moheli scops owl on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22724585/118472254
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/403483

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