[3] The Pemba scops owl is a medium-sized scops-owl with short ear-tufts.

The bill is black while the cere is greenish-yellow and the eyes and legs are yellow.

[4] The pair duets with the male calls being shorter, and lower in pitch.

On Pemba this owl is found in all wooded habitats from native forest to overgrown plantations of cloves and mango.

[5] The Pemba scops owl is listed as a Vulnerable by the IUCN because it is restricted to Pemba, the population continues to decline and there is a loss of habitat as local farmers clear plantations to make way for open agricultural fields.