The European Scops Owls (Otus scops), also known as the Eurasian Scops Owls or just Scops Owls, are small owls
Distribution / Range
These migratory owls breed in southern Europe eastwards into western and central Asia; and travel south to southernmost Europe and sub-Saharan Africa for the winter.
Like other owls, they are nocturnal (active at night).
Description
European Scops Owls measure 19 – 21 cm in length and have a wingspan of 47 – 54 cm.
The Scops Owls perch upright. They have small ear tufts and a mostly grey-brown plumage, with paler faces, underparts and shoulder lines.
Flight: They have a strong direct flight on long narrow wings.
Calls / Vocalizations
Their calls are described as deep whistles, similar to the call of the Midwife Toad.
Diet / Feeding
They feed on small prey, such as insects and other invertebrates (= animals without internal skeleton, such as larvae, insects, earthworms, millipedes, snails, spiders).
Breeding / Nesting
European Scops Owls typically breed in open woodland, parks and gardens, nesting in tree cavities. The average clutch consists of 3 – 6 eggs.
