No results found for ""

Tap search to view all possible matches

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.
Share this bird:

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
© 2024 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Get Bird Updates in Your Inbox

Stay informed about Eurasian Scops-owl and other fascinating birds, with expert bird watching tips, as well as relevant seasonal information.

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!

Share your thoughts

Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Eurasian Scops-owl demonstrates remarkable agility in its nocturnal hunting, capable of catching prey as large as bats in mid-flight. Its ability to swoop down from perches and manoeuvre through woodland environments suggests high agility.

Strength 40

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small owl species, the Eurasian Scops-owl has limited strength compared to larger raptors. However, it's strong enough to capture and carry small vertebrates, indicating moderate strength for its size.

Adaptability 80

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

This species shows high adaptability, inhabiting various environments from woodlands to orchards across a wide geographic range. Its ability to lower its metabolic rate during food scarcity and its effective camouflage demonstrate significant adaptive traits.

Aggressiveness 55

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While not overtly aggressive, the Eurasian Scops-owl must display some level of aggression for successful hunting and territory defence. However, its reliance on camouflage and avoidance tactics suggests it's not among the more aggressive owl species.

Endurance 70

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Eurasian Scops-owl's long-distance migration from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa indicates considerable endurance. Additionally, its ability to hunt actively throughout the night and survive in diverse habitats suggests good stamina, though it's not known for exceptional endurance feats.

Diet

The Eurasian Scops-owl primarily feeds on large insects such as moths, beetles, and grasshoppers.

It also consumes small vertebrates, including rodents, small birds, earthworms, and reptiles. This owl's diet varies seasonally, with more insects taken during summer.

They will sometimes forage for food while on the ground but more commonly swoop down from their perch and grab their prey with claws.

Behaviour

This nocturnal owl is remarkably cryptic, often perching motionless against tree trunks to avoid detection. It hunts from low perches, swooping down to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air.

During the day, it roosts in dense foliage or tree cavities, relying on its camouflage for protection.

Vocalisation

The male's call is a monotonous, flute-like 'tyü' or 'kyoo' repeated at regular intervals, often for long periods at night. This sound carries far and is the best way to detect the species' presence. Females may respond with a softer, higher-pitched version of the call.

One of the best descriptions of this relatively unique sound is to liken it to the sonar ping heard in submarine films when the vessel is being tracked by a surface ship, although the bird’s call is not always pitched as high.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs from late April to July. Males attract females with their distinctive calls and may perform display flights. Pairs are monogamous for the breeding season.

Nests are typically located in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or nest boxes. The female lays 3-6 white, round eggs directly on the cavity floor without additional nesting material.

Incubation lasts about 24-25 days, solely by the female. Chicks fledge after 21-29 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, the Eurasian Scops-owl faces localised threats from habitat loss and pesticide use.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving old-growth forests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to maintain suitable hunting grounds.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

795,000 - 1,332,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Listen for its distinctive 'tyü' call at night, especially during spring and summer
  • Look for its silhouette against the night sky when perched on exposed branches
  • Search for pellets or whitewash beneath potential roosting sites
  • Use a spotlight with a red filter to minimise disturbance when observing at night

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

European Scops-owl, Common Scops-owl

Family:

Strigidae

Average Lifespan

5 years

Max Lifespan

6.9 years [4]

Predators

Main predators include larger owls, such as Tawny Owls and Eagle Owls, as well as martens, foxes, and birds of prey.

Did You Know?

  1. Despite its small size, the Eurasian Scops-owl can catch prey as large as small bats in flight.
  2. Its ear tufts are not related to hearing but are used for camouflage and communication.
  3. This species can lower its metabolic rate to survive periods of food scarcity.

References

  1. 1 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2021. Otus scops. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T155019854A206523296.

    View source
  2. 4

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source

Share Your Feedback

We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.

Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your input.