The Karthala scops owl, also known as the Grand Comore scops owl or Comoro scops owl, is a small scops owl endemic to the island of Grande Comore in the Comoro Islands.
Region
Comoro Islands, Western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Occurs almost exclusively in montane evergreen and mossy forests on the slopes of Mount Karthala. It prefers dense canopy and well-vegetated understory, using natural cavities for roosting and nesting. The species may forage along forest edges, secondary growth, and small clearings but remains closely tied to intact forest. Lava flows overgrown with shrubs and forest regrowth can also provide foraging sites. Its very small range makes it sensitive to any local habitat disturbance.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Karthala scops owl is restricted to the forested slopes of Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Grande Comore. It is a nocturnal, highly cryptic owl whose soft whistles can be heard more often than the bird is seen. Habitat loss and periodic volcanic activity threaten its limited range. It helps control insect populations in its montane forest ecosystem.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats through dense cover
Social Behavior
Typically roosts singly or in pairs within dense foliage or tree cavities. Breeding pairs defend small territories and nest in natural holes or old woodpecker cavities. Clutches are small, and both parents likely contribute to care and defense of the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The main call is a soft, repeated whistle or hoot delivered at regular intervals, carrying well in still montane air. Additional notes include brief trills or double whistles during territorial or pair-contact exchanges.
Plumage
Cryptic, finely mottled and barred plumage with typical scops-owl texture; birds may show brown to rufous morphs. Feathering is dense and soft, enhancing camouflage against bark and leaf litter. Subtle pale scapular spots can form a broken line across the shoulder.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large insects such as beetles, moths, crickets, and katydids taken from foliage or the ground. It may also snatch spiders and other arthropods. Occasionally, it takes small vertebrates like geckos or small frogs when available.
Preferred Environment
Hunts from low to mid-level perches along forest edges, trails, and gaps where prey is more easily detected. Uses sit-and-wait tactics, dropping to the ground or sallying to foliage to seize prey.
