Bird Guide

African Scops Owl vs Oriental Scops Owl

African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis)

African Scops Owl

Otus senegalensis

Medium67 gWoodland

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.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Vernon Swanepoel · CC BY 2.0
Oriental Scops Owl (Otus sunia)

Oriental Scops Owl

Otus sunia

Medium78 gForest

The oriental scops owl is a small, variably plumaged, yellow-eyed owl with ear-tufts which are not always erect. It can be distinguished from the collared scops owl by its whitish scapular stripe, well-marked underparts, and lack of pale collar. There are two colour morphs, grey and rufous; intermediate forms also occur. Sexes are similar in appearance. Individuals may freeze with eyes half-closed when disturbed. The species has a repeated liquid call sounding like "tuk tok torok". Adults have higher-pitched calls than juveniles.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sonogram of the Oriental Scops Owl
Recorded by steve · Song · Guangyuan, Sichuan, China · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K · CC BY 2.0

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Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: African Scops Owl and Oriental Scops Owl.