About the Eurasian Scops Owl
The Eurasian scops owl, also known as the European scops owl, common scops owl or just scops owl, is a small owl in the typical owl family Strigidae. Its breeding range extends from southern Europe eastwards to southern Siberia and the western Himalayas. It is migratory, wintering in Africa south of the Sahara, although it is resident year-round in parts of Mediterranean Europe.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The Eurasian scops owl is 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 in) in length with a wingspan of 47–54 cm (19–21 in). This is somewhat smaller than the little owl (Athene noctua). It perches upright and shows small ear-tufts. The plumage is predominantly grey-brown in colour, with a paler face, underparts and shoulder line. This species has a strong direct flight on long narrow wings, reflecting its migratory habits. The call is a deep whistle given by both sexes. It is similar to the call of midwife toads in the genus Alytes.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Eurasian Scops Owl sounds like
Where the Eurasian Scops Owl lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Finland, Japan, Ireland, Norway, Afghanistan, Cameroon, Seychelles, Bahrain, Lebanon, Denmark, Iceland.
When to see the Eurasian Scops Owl
Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Collared Scops OwlOtus lettiaThe collared scops owl is an owl which is a resident breeder in south Asia from northern Pakistan, northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Himalayas east to southern China, and Taiwan.
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.
African Scops OwlOtus senegalensisThe African scops owl is a small owl, measuring 17 cm (6.7 in) in length.
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