Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
WoodlandCavity nestMedium · 67 g
ID tip
The African scops owl is a small owl, measuring 17 cm (6.7 in) in length. It is typically greyish-brown, though sometimes pale rufous or warmer brown, and is cryptically marked with streaks and mottling. Its grey facial disk has a narrow black edge, and its eyes are yellow. It has ear tufts, which are generally kept lowered unless the bird is disturbed. The African scops owl is around 15–17 cm (5.9–6.7 in) in length with a wingspan of 45 cm (18 in). Voice: The African scops owl gives a monotonous quivering distinctive "prrrp" at five second intervals.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the African Scops Owl
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.
Where to see the African Scops Owl
The map shades 29 countries with regular records, and 4 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Djibouti, Liberia, Somalia, Sudan.
About the African Scops Owl
The African scops owl is a small owl which is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Oriental Scops OwlOtus suniaThe oriental scops owl is a small, variably plumaged, yellow-eyed owl with ear-tufts which are not always erect.
Indian Scops OwlOtus bakkamoenaThe Indian scops owl is a small 23–25 cm (9.1–9.8 in) owl, although it is one of the largest of the scops owls.
Madagascar Scops OwlOtus rutilusThe Madagascar scops owl is a relatively small owl with short, rounded wings and short erectile ear-tufts on top of the head.
Side by side: African Scops Owl vs Eurasian Scops Owl · African Scops Owl vs Indian Scops Owl · African Scops Owl vs Crested Owl · African Scops Owl vs Oriental Scops Owl
Learn the African Scops Owl in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.