Seychelles Scops Owl
Otus insularis (Tristram, 1880)
Strigidae — Owls
Seychelles Scops Owl, Otus insularis, is an owl of montane Mahé in the Seychelles, where it breeds in the Indian Ocean. It is a rare species confined to the island’s mountain forest. The bird has rufous-brown plumage with black streaking, rufous underparts and facial disc, and long grey legs that are not feathered. Its eyes are large and golden yellow, and the ear-tufts are very small. The call carries over distance, especially after dark, and includes a rasping whaugh with tok tok notes.
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae — Owls
- Breeding range
- Indian Ocean: montane Mahé (sw Inner Is., ne Seychelles)
