European Scops Owls
Owl Information ... Owl Species ... Owl Photo Gallery
The European Scops Owl (Otus scops), also known as the Eurasian Scops Owl or just Scops Owl, is a small owl. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most species of owl. The other grouping is the barn owls, Tytonidae.
Distribution / Range
This bird breeds in southern Europe eastwards into western and central Asia. It is migratory, wintering in southernmost Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.
It is rare any distance north of its breeding range, usually occurring as a spring overshoot. It is unlikely that this nocturnal owl would be found outside the breeding season when it is not calling.
Description
This is a small owl, and at 19-21 cm length and a 47-54 cm wingspan is not as large as the Little Owl. It takes small prey such as insects and other invertebrates (= animals without internal skeleton, such as larvae, insects, earthworms, millipedes, snails, spiders). It is largely nocturnal.
The Scops Owl perches upright and shows small ear tufts. It is predominantly grey-brown in colour, with paler face, underparts and shoulder line.
This species has a strong direct flight on long narrow wings, reflecting its migratory habits.
Calls / Vocalizations
The call is a deep whistle given by both sexes. It is similar to the call of the Midwife Toad.
Breeding / Nesting
It breeds in open woodland, parks and gardens. It lays 3-6 eggs in a tree hole.
Copyright: Wikipedia. This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from Wikipedia.org
Photo, Video and/or Article contributions are welcome! Please click here for info
The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!
