About Otus rutilus (Pucheran, 1849)
The Madagascar scops owl (scientific name Otus rutilus (Pucheran, 1849)) is a relatively small owl. It has short, rounded wings and short erectile ear-tufts on the top of its head. Three morphs of this species have been recorded: a grey morph, a brown morph, and a rufous morph. Markings that contrast with the bird's main plumage color include pale eyebrows, light spots on the scapulars, and barring on the wings and outer tail feathers. The crown and underparts are sometimes streaked. The bill has a black tip, and its base color ranges from dull green to yellowish-grey; the eyes are yellow. Adult individuals measure 22–24 cm (8.7–9.4 in) in total length, with a wingspan of 52–54 cm (20–21 in). This owl is endemic to Madagascar, and is found across the whole island. As the common name "rainforest" suggests, the nominate subspecies O. r. rutilus prefers humid tropical forest and bush, and occurs in the east of the island. In contrast, the Torotoroka subspecies O. r. madagascariensis prefers drier habitats, and occurs in the west of the island.
