The Eurasian scops owl, also known as the European scops owl, common scops owl or just scops owl, is a small owl in the typical owl family Strigidae. Its breeding range extends from southern Europe eastwards to southern Siberia and the western Himalayas. It is migratory, wintering in Africa south of the Sahara.
Region
Southern Europe to Central Asia (winters in Sub-Saharan Africa)
Typical Environment
Breeds in open woodlands, orchards, olive groves, riparian trees, and parklands with scattered mature trees and nearby clearings. Prefers mosaic landscapes with edges where it can hunt insects from perches. Avoids dense unbroken forest and treeless interiors. In winter it uses savanna, woodland edges, and gardens across sub-Saharan Africa.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small ear-tufted owl is famous for its simple, far-carrying, monotone whistled call heard on warm nights. It blends perfectly with tree bark and will elongate its body and raise its tufts to enhance camouflage when threatened. It nests in natural cavities or old woodpecker holes and readily uses nest boxes. Many individuals winter in sub-Saharan Africa after breeding across southern Europe and into Central Asia.
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden
Grey morph
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with buoyant, moth-like flight
Social Behavior
Primarily nocturnal; roosts singly in dense foliage or tree cavities by day. Monogamous during the breeding season; pairs nest in natural holes, old woodpecker cavities, or nest boxes, laying 3–6 eggs. Both adults feed the young, and the male often guards and provisions the female early in incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A clear, soft, repeated single-note whistle, often rendered as a mellow 'peeu' or 'kew' spaced at regular intervals. The simple, rhythmic call carries far at night and is highly diagnostic.
