Eurasian Scops-owl Bird Facts (Otus scops)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Algeria Gibraltar Greece Italy Mali Mauritania Morocco Niger Nigeria Spain Sudan Tunisia Turkey

Species that pass through the area during migration

Egypt Libya Western Sahara

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Eurasian Scops-owl typically lives for 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 6.9 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

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.

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

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

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.

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