Rasmussen et al. (2000) documented subtle vocal and plumage differences between western madagascariensis and eastern rutilus, but a subsequent genetic analysis (based solely on mtDNA) recovered only very low levels of genetic divergence between these taxa (Fuchs et al. 2007); therefore we lump Torotoroka Scops-Owl into Madagascar Scops-Owl. We continue to recognize both as separate monotypic groups: Madagascar Scops-Owl (Rainforest) Otus rutilus rutilus and Madagascar Scops-Owl (Torotoroka) Otus rutilus madagascariensis. Additional genetic data and a more geographically comprehensive analysis of vocalizations are required to better understand the relationship between these taxa.