Moheli Scops Owl

Otus moheliensis

The Moheli Scops Owl (Otus moheliensis) is a small owl species endemic to the island of Mohéli in the Comoros archipelago. It has a distinctively rounded head with prominent ear tufts and large, dark eyes. The upperparts are reddish-brown with fine black vermiculations, while the underparts are paler with bold streaking. This owl is primarily nocturnal and feeds on insects and small vertebrates. It inhabits the dense evergreen forests and wooded areas of Mohéli, where it roosts during the day in dense foliage. The Moheli Scops Owl is a rare and elusive species, making it challenging to study and monitor.

Habitat: Dense evergreen forests and wooded areas