Eurasian Scops-owl

Otus scops

Even smaller even than the Little Owl, it is one of the few European owls that leaves its breeding grounds and migrates south during the winter.

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Visual Identification

Appearance

The Eurasian Scops-owl is a small owl with prominent ear-tufts and large yellow eyes. Its plumage is mottled grey or brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark. Fine black streaks run vertically down its body.

Both sexes look similar, with subtle variations in overall colouration. Juveniles resemble adults but may have a slightly fluffier appearance and less defined markings.

There are two different morphs, the most common being predominantly grey-brown in colour with a paler face and underparts.

Size

Length

19cm to 21cm

Wingspan

47cm to 54cm

Weight

60g to 135g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Brown

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Eurasian Scops-owl can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Eurasian Scops-owl can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Eurasian Scops-owl is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

This species inhabits open woodlands, orchards, and parklands across southern and eastern Europe, parts of North Africa, and into central Asia. It prefers areas with a mix of open ground for hunting and trees for nesting and roosting.

During summer, it breeds across much of its range, but most populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa for winter. Small numbers occasionally reach the UK, particularly in the south and east.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Mediterranean

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Eurasian Scops-owl. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons