Moheli Scops-Owl
Otus moheliensis
Small, compact dark owl with small ear tufts. The overall coloration is variable, and can be rufous or dark brown. Found in remnant lowland rainforest, secondary forest, and plantations on the island of Moheli, in the Comoros. The remarkable vocalizations include a raspy bark and a long, low-pitched growling hiss. Sometimes active and vocal during the day, especially the early morning and late afternoon. Easily identified, as the only other owl on Moheli is the much larger Barn Owl.
Identification
The Moheli scops owl has two colour morphs, the rufous morph has reddish-brown plumage which is and weakly marked with dark streaks and bars; the brown morph has a darker brown plumage, which is boldly marked with streaks and vermiculations. Both morphs have yellow-green eyes, grey legs and black beaks. Their length is approximately 22 cm (8.7 in).<p>The Moheli scops owl is highly vocal, producing hissing whistles and screeches in a series of five notes, as well as screeching.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Otus moheliensis
- Authority
- Lafontaine & Moulaert, 1998
- Order
- Strigiformes
- Family
- Strigidae
- Genus
- Otus
Range and habitat
This owl is found only on the mountain in the centre of the island of Mohéli, the total range covering 21 km2 (8.1 sq mi), including the highest point of the ridge, at 790 m (2,590 ft) in altitude, and the adjacent upper slopes. It occurs in dense humid forest, which is rich in epiphytes between 450 and 790 m (1,480 and 2,590 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The Moheli scops owl is strictly nocturnal and becomes active only after sunset. Calling males have been recorded in September. The diet is probably mainly made up of insects.
Conservation
The species was only described in 1998. It has an estimated population of 400, and is classified as critically endangered due to it being restricted to such a small area, which is being rapidly deforested. In 1995, only five percent of the island still had intact, dense, humid forest. As well as habitat loss, other threats to the Moheli scops owl include hunting and black rats, which may eat its eggs and young but also compete with it for food. At present, the montane forest where the Moheli scops owl occurs is not protected.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Madagascar Scops-Owl
Otus rutilus
Typical scops-owl, with small ear tufts that can be hidden, especially when roosting during the day. Color varies from gray to brown to rufous, with rufous birds more prevalent in the eastern rainforest. Inhabits both moist and dry habitats throughout Madagascar, including rainforest, dry deciduous forest, spiny forest, scrub, and plantations. Often found on day roosts in low tangles. Song varies geographically. In the east, it is a punctuated “tru-tru-tru…”. In the west it is a more rolling “trrr-trrr-trrr…”. Intermediate vocalizations can be heard in transitional zones, such as far northern Madagascar. Much smaller than all of Madagascar’s other owls.
Assam Laughingthrush
Trochalopteron chrysopterum
Shy skulker with golden wings and a long golden tail. Eastern populations in China have a gray head and orange crown, while western populations in far northeastern India and Myanmar have a dark rusty head. Forages on the ground in small flocks in dense brushy understory, sometimes with other laughingthrushes. Song is a repetitive series of inflected notes, including a wolf-whistle-like “whi’wi’er-wee!” and a shorter “whi’wi’eeer!”
Blue-black Kingfisher
Todiramphus nigrocyaneus
A medium-sized kingfisher of mangroves and forested streams in the lowlands. Black face, blue crown and bright white throat are characteristic. Underparts of males vary geographically, some with rufous or dark bellies and a white crescent. Females have white belly. Perches in the understory, scanning below for its prey of fish or crabs. Very difficult to see. Somewhat similar to Azure Kingfisher, but Blue-black Kingfisher is distinctly larger with a dark chest or chest band. Call, a short nasal series “weeh-wiwiwi!” with an initial longer, rising note, then shorter falling notes.
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