Moheli Scops-Owl

Unusually small kestrel with a gray head, a rufous back, unmarked buff underparts, a barred tail, and a dark “moustache” mark on the face. Found on several of the granitic Seychelles Islands. Originally found in areas of rainforest with cliffs and other rocky areas; now found in secondary scrub, cultivated areas, plantations, and towns, as well as in remnant natural habitat. Unlike other kestrels, does not hover. Call is a high, repeated “krii.” Shares general falcon shape with migrant and vagrant falcons, including Eleanora’s and Sooty Falcons, but smaller, with shorter, less pointed wings. 

Brightly-colored swallow with a deeply forked tail, pale orangish rump, black squared-off undertail coverts, and an incomplete orange collar. Color of underparts varies geographically from pale whitish to rufous, with sparse or no streaking. Juveniles average paler and lack extensive orangish tones; may resemble house-martins but note deeply forked tail. Builds mud nests on rocks as well as human structures, and forages over a wide variety of open habitats. Frequently gives a short, sparrow-like “twi’wit.” Very similar to European Red-rumped Swallow, but with little or no streaking below.

This well-marked European endemic prefers rocky slopes and dry areas of hill and montane forest. Up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), but can be found in lower-lying open flat areas with sparse grass and low bushes in some regions. Highly territorial and vocal, giving an irregular series of "chick chek pe-ti-chek chi-chek" notes, particularly in the early morning. Often runs away rather than flying. Throat is white, while similar looking Chukar has a creamy throat; virtually no overlap in range with other similar species.