The Mayotte Scops Owls (Otus mayottensis) are endemic to Mayotte Islands, which is part of Comoros – an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa.
They inhabit subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where they are resident (non-migratory).
Description
The Mayotte Scops Owl measure between 20 – 22 cm in length, including the short tail.
These relatively small owls have short rounded wings. The plumage is overall brown with slight dark brown barring.
The back is covered with faint light spots. The plumage below is pale. The facial disk is brownish with a dark rim only on the sides. There are darkish streaks on the brown crown.
The flanks are more reddish-brown with short dark streaks. The eyes are yellowish.
