Mayotte Scops-Owl Otus mayottensis

Small, compact dark owl with small ear tufts. Most birds have dark brown upperparts and medium-brown underparts, but there is a rare rufous morph with rich rufous underparts and head. Fairly common in remnant rainforest, secondary forest, gardens, and plantations on the island of Mayotte, in the Comoros. The remarkable vocalization is a series of several low-pitched hollow hoots. Sometimes active and vocal during the day, especially the early morning and late afternoon. Easily identified, as the only other owl on Mayotte is the much larger Barn Owl.