Madagascar Scops-owl (Otus rutilus)

Probably forms a species-group with O. capnodes, O. pauliani and recently discovered O. moheliensis. Has been considered to include first two, as well as O. pembaensis and O. insularis, as races; vocal comparisons and morphology (size, plumage markings, extent of tarsal feathering) indicate that all are specifically distinct, and recent study found that O. pembaensis and O. insularis were not close relatives of present species#R. Until recently, included O. mayottensis as a subspecies, but mayottensis differs on account of its song (slow sequence of longer, deeper calls vs rapid sequence of brief calls) (3); larger size, with no overlap in wing, bill or tarsus (effect size for tarsus 5.13, score 3); darker underparts and tarsal feathering (at least 1); more prominently streaked and barred throat (at least 1); reduced dark rim of facial disc (ns[1]); much darker background colour overall (ns[1]); less prominent streaking on mantle (ns[1]); and relatively short, less strongly barred tail (ns[1])#R#R. Moreover, population in W separated at species level under available name madagascariensis on basis of voice and plumage#R, but subsequent study suggested that plumage differences small, voices intergrading and genetic distance slight#R. Two subspecies currently recognized.