The Moheli scops owl is a scops owl endemic to the island of Mohéli, one of the Comoro Islands.
Region
Comoro Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Mohéli, where it inhabits primary and mature secondary evergreen forests. It also uses forest edges, shady ravines, and traditional agroforestry areas with large old trees such as coconut and clove plantations. The species favors dense understory and mid-story perches for hunting. It roosts by day in thick foliage and becomes active at dusk, moving along forest edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
0–790 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Moheli scops owl is confined to the island of Mohéli in the Comoros, making it highly vulnerable to habitat change. It is a nocturnal forest owl whose soft, repetitive hoots are the easiest way to detect it. It likely nests in natural cavities of mature trees, so the retention of old-growth forest is crucial. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining forest tracts and limiting deforestation.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent, maneuverable flight
Social Behavior
Typically encountered as single birds or territorial pairs. Likely monogamous, nesting in natural cavities of mature trees. Breeding is presumed to align with wetter months when prey is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive series of hoots or whistles given at regular intervals, carrying well in still forest air. Calls often delivered from a concealed perch at dusk and during the night, facilitating territory advertisement and pair contact.
Plumage
Small scops owl with finely mottled and streaked brown to rufous upperparts and lightly barred wings and tail; underparts are paler with fine dark streaks. Compact ear tufts are usually visible when alert, and a subtle pale facial disc is rimmed darker.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and katydids. It may also take small vertebrates like geckos when available. Prey is usually detected by sound or short visual sallies from a perch and swallowed whole or in large pieces.
Preferred Environment
Forages from low to mid-level perches inside forest and along edges, including near clearings and streams. Traditional plantations with mature shade trees can also provide feeding sites, especially where understory remains intact.
