Bird
Eurasian Scops-Owl
Otus scopsAlso known as European Scops-Owl
The Eurasian Scops-Owl is a small gray-brown owl whose fine mottling and short ear tufts resemble broken bark. It hunts large insects from open woodland perches and is often detected by a repeated single-note whistle after dark.
small owlnocturnal insectivoremigratory raptor
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCrickets, beetles, moths
Predators
- larger owls
- martens
- goshawks
ThreatsLoss of cavity trees, pesticide-driven insect decline, collisions, illegal killing, and nest disturbance
HabitatsOpen woodland, olive groves, orchards, parks, gardens, scrub, and wooded farmland
Life spanOften four to eight years, with some wild birds living longer
Classification
- FamilyStrigidae
- SpeciesOtus scops
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
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- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Listen without playback and keep bright lights away from roosts and nest cavities.
Responsible observation
- Listen: A regularly repeated single whistle is the strongest detection clue.
- Identify: Short ear tufts and fine barklike markings distinguish a resting bird.
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