File:Madagascar torotoroka scops owl otus madagascariensis.jpg

Eurasian Scops-Owl

3 weeks ago door Esther Esser

Points: 80

Spotted

The Eurasian Scops Owl is a very small, migratory owl with prominent ear tufts, perfectly camouflaged against tree bark. It is strictly nocturnal and known for its monotonous, fluting call.

Where to spot

Open woodlands, orchards, parks, and gardens, often near human habitation, across Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Migrates to sub-Saharan Africa for winter.

How to spot

Listen intently for its distinctive, monotonous, single-note whistle call after dusk. Finding one visually is very challenging due to its excellent camouflage and small size. A careful use of a spotlight can sometimes reveal it at night.

When to spot

Strictly nocturnal. Best detected by its repetitive, whistle-like 'tjoo-tjoo-tjoo' call during the breeding season (spring/summer nights). Visual sightings are extremely rare without specific searching.

Where to spot

Open woodlands, orchards, parks, and gardens, often near human habitation, across Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Migrates to sub-Saharan Africa for winter.

How to spot

When to spot

Credits: Door Frank Vassen from Brussels, Belgium - Scops Owl (Otus scops), Kalloni, Lesvos, Greece, 19.04.2015, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43769588

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Eurasian Scops Owl is a master of camouflage; it can stretch its body vertically and compress its feathers to mimic a broken tree branch, making it almost invisible to predators and observers alike.

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