The Sokoke scops owl, also Morden's scops owl or Morden's owlet, is a highly localized species of scops owl found in lowland forests of Kenya and Tanzania. The greatest population of this species of owl is in the Cynometra-Manilkara forest, which is less than one-third of the Sokoke Forest. It is also found in the Afzelia-Cynometra forest.
Region
East African Coastal Forests
Typical Environment
This owl inhabits lowland coastal forests of southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, with the core population in the Arabuko–Sokoke Forest. It is closely tied to Cynometra- and Manilkara-dominated forest patches and also occurs in Afzelia–Cynometra forest. Birds keep to dense understory and midstory where they roost close to trunks and hunt along quiet forest tracks and clearings. It avoids heavily degraded areas and large open spaces, persisting best in intact, mature forest blocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Sokoke scops owl is one of Africa’s most range-restricted owls, confined mainly to the Arabuko–Sokoke Forest of coastal Kenya with a handful of sites in northeastern Tanzania. It shows a strong preference for Cynometra–Manilkara forest types within lowland coastal woodland. Its soft, repetitive call often betrays its presence in otherwise dense, quiet forest at night. Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats to this species.
Sokoke scops owl pair in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Temperament
secretive and nocturnal
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides; very quiet in flight
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Likely monogamous, nesting in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes within dense forest. Roosts by day close to tree trunks, relying on camouflage. Territorial calling increases during rains when breeding activity peaks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive series of hollow notes, often described as a mechanical, insect-like 'poop-poop-poop' delivered at steady intervals. Calls carry well in still night air and are used for territory advertisement and pair contact.
Plumage
Small scops owl with compact build, short ear-tufts, and finely streaked underparts. Upperparts are mottled brown to gray with pale scapular spots that form a subtle line across the shoulder. Underparts buffy with fine dark streaks and barring; facial disc well defined but plain. Shows gray and rufous-brown color morphs that blend well with bark and leaf litter.
Diet
Primarily hunts large insects such as beetles, katydids, crickets, and moths. Will also take spiders and other arthropods and occasionally small vertebrates like geckos or small frogs. Prey is detected by sound and sight and taken from the ground, foliage, or by short sallies from low perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages within dense understory and along narrow forest trails and edges inside intact coastal forest. Often hunts from low to mid-level perches with frequent short drops to the ground or vegetation. Avoids open habitats and heavily disturbed forest.
