| Eurasian Scoops Owl | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Common Name | European Scops Owl |
| Range | southern Europe eastwards into western and central Asia. |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | Otus scops |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops), also known as the European scops owl or just scops owl, is a species of small scops owl. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most species of owl. The other grouping is the barn-owls, Tytonidae.
Distribution[]
This bird breeds in southern Europe eastwards into western and central Asia. It is migratory, wintering in southernmost Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. It is rare any distance north of its breeding range, usually occurring as a spring overshoot. It is unlikely that this nocturnal owl would be found outside the breeding season when it is not calling. It breeds in open woodland, parks and gardens. It lays 3-6 eggs in a tree hole.
Behavior[]
The call is a deep whistle given by both sexes. It is similar to the call of the midwife toad.
Diet[]
It takes small prey such as insects and other invertebrates. It is largely nocturnal.