Sokoke Scops-Owl Otus ireneae

A small owl with a tiny range along the East African coast. Note the yellow eyes, the small ear tufts, and the fine spotting below. The coloration varies from gray to dark brown to bright rufous. Found very locally in coastal forest. Often found roosting in pairs or family groups in the forest's lower levels. Similar in appearance to African Scops-Owl, but found in different habitats, and separated by the spotted rather than striped underparts. The call is a series of tooting notes, reminiscent of a tinkerbird or pygmy-owl.