Sokoke scops owl | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Strigiformes |
Family: | Strigidae |
Genus: | Otus |
Species: | O. ireneae |
Binomial name | |
Otus ireneae Ripley, 1966 |
The Sokoke scops owl (Otus ireneae) is an owl found in Kenya and Tanzania. The greatest population of this species of owl is in the Cynometra-Manilkara forest, which is less than one-third of the Sokoke Forest. It is also found in the Afzelia-Cynometra forest.
The Sokoke scops owl can grow up to 6 1⁄4 to 6 1⁄2 inches (16 to 17 cm), can weigh up to 2 ounces (57 g), and is the smallest of the scops owls. It is insectivorous and can be either grey or rufous-brown.