Alternative names: Commmon Scops-Owl; European Scops-Owl
- Otus scops
Identification
Small, eared owl with yellow eyes. Its plumage is a grey-buff intricately marked with black provides excellent camouflage against tree bark when roosting. Young birds are more strongly vermiculated than adults.
Distribution
Southern Europe, parts of North Africa, Asia Minor east to Central Asia. Many populations migratory, moving to Africa south of Sahara in winter.
Taxonomy
Originally formed superspecies with O. sunia and O. senegalensis but is vocally and genetically distinct. Six subspecies are recognized, subspecies cycladum may be included in nominate form.
Habitat
Open or semi-open woodland, parks, plantations etc. Winters on savannah. Usually not conifers except in parts of Russian range.
Behaviour
Breeding
Nests in tree-holes and in cavities in rocks and walls.
Diet
Mainly insects and other invertebrates but also small lizards, frogs and small mammals.
Vocalisation
<flashmp3>Otus scops (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program