The Socotra scops owl is a small owl endemic to the island of Socotra, Yemen.
Region
Socotra Archipelago, Arabian Sea
Typical Environment
Occurs across Socotra in dry woodlands, wadis, limestone escarpments, palm groves, and village gardens. It uses natural cavities in trees and cliffs and readily perches on rocky outcrops and low branches. Dragon’s blood tree and frankincense woodlands provide important roosting and nesting sites. It tolerates some human presence and can be heard near settlements at night.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Socotra scops owl is a small, nocturnal owl found only on the island of Socotra, Yemen. It is most often detected by its repetitive, mellow hoots at night rather than by sight. Like many scops owls, it shows gray-brown to rufous color morphs that help it blend into bark and rocky habitats. It helps control insect populations in oases, wadis, and woodlands across the island.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with silent glides
Social Behavior
Generally nocturnal and roosts singly or in pairs by day in dense foliage or rock crevices. Breeds in cavities in trees or cliffs, laying a small clutch that both parents tend. Pairs maintain territories with persistent vocal duets during the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, evenly spaced hoots or whistles, often given in steady sequences at night. Calls can carry far in still air and are the primary way to detect the species.
Plumage
Compact scops owl with finely mottled and streaked plumage; morphs range from gray-brown to rufous. Underparts are streaked; upperparts show cryptic mottling that matches bark and rock. Small ear tufts, a pale facial disk with a darker rim, and delicate cross-barring are typical.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and other arthropods. Hunts from low to mid-level perches, making short sallies to snatch prey. Will also glean from the ground or foliage and may take small vertebrates opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages along wadis, at the edges of woodlands and palm groves, and around rocky slopes. Frequently hunts near vegetation clusters and occasionally near lights in villages where insects gather.
