mentawai scops-owl Otus mentawi

This small, dark cinnamon-brown owl is the only resident scops-owl in its limited range. Inhabits a wide range of wooded habitats, from pristine lowland rainforest to plantations and woodlots around human habitation. Gives a barking hoot with an abrupt ending, often in pairs or well-spaced series. Also gives quiet, low rattling croaks. Combination of dark eyes and uniformly dark brown plumage distinguish this species from any migrant or vagrant scops-owls on the Mentawai Islands.