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The Indian scops owl is a species of owl native to South Asia.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The 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. Like other scops owls, it has small head tufts, or ears. The upperparts are grey or brown, depending on the morph, with faint buff spotting. The underparts are buff with fine darker streaking. The facial disc is whitish or buff, and the eyes are orange or brown. There is a buff neckband. Sexes are similar. The flight is deeply undulating. This species is very similar to the slightly larger partially migratory collared scops owl (Otus lettia) and the oriental scops owl (Otus sunia).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Indian Scops Owl sounds like
Where the Indian Scops Owl lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Russia.
When to see the Indian Scops Owl
Peak activity in February · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
African Scops OwlOtus senegalensisThe African scops owl is a small owl, measuring 17 cm (6.7 in) in length.
Oriental Scops OwlOtus suniaThe oriental scops owl is a small, variably plumaged, yellow-eyed owl with ear-tufts which are not always erect.
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.
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