The Seychelles scops owl or Seychelles owl, also known as bare-legged scops owl or syer is a rare scops owl species, which only occurs in the Morne Seychellois National Park on the Seychelles island of Mahé.
Region
Seychelles archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Mahé, primarily within mature, moist montane and cloud forests. It favors dense native vegetation with palm and pandanus, steep ravines, and granite boulder fields. The species is highly habitat-specific and avoids heavily disturbed lowland areas. Territories are centered in quiet, intact forest where canopy cover and understory complexity are high.
Altitude Range
200–900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the bare-legged scops owl or locally 'syer', this island owl is confined to the cloud forests of Mahé in the Seychelles. It was once feared extinct but was rediscovered and now survives in a small, localized population within Morne Seychellois National Park. Its biggest threats are habitat degradation and invasive predators. Strict protection of native forest has been key to its persistence.
Temperament
secretive and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with agile, maneuverable flight through dense forest; brief glides between perches
Social Behavior
Primarily seen (and more often heard) in pairs that defend year-round territories. Likely monogamous with strong pair bonds, duetting at night to maintain contact. Nests in natural cavities such as tree holes or rock crevices, with a small clutch and shared parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A repetitive, rasping series of croaks and whistles, often rendered as short, harsh notes spaced at intervals. Calls carry far in still night air and are used for territory advertisement and pair communication.
Plumage
Mottled and streaked brown to rufous-brown with fine buff speckling, providing excellent camouflage in bark and leaf litter. Facial disc is darker and subtly defined; ear tufts are small and often held flat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on large insects such as beetles, moths, crickets, and cockroaches. It also takes other invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos or frogs when available. Hunting is typically from low to mid-level perches with short pounces to the ground, foliage, or trunks. Prey is swallowed whole or torn with the hooked bill.
Preferred Environment
Hunts within dense native forest, along ridgelines, ravines, and boulder-strewn slopes where cover is abundant. Often forages along quiet forest trails and clearings adjacent to intact canopy.
