Eurasian Scops-owl
Otus scops
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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?
- Despite its small size, the Eurasian Scops-owl can catch prey as large as small bats in flight.
- Its ear tufts are not related to hearing but are used for camouflage and communication.
- This species can lower its metabolic rate to survive periods of food scarcity.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Otus scops. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T155019854A206523296.
View source - 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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