EURASIAN SCOPS OWL
Phylum – Chordata
Class – Aves
Order – Strigiformes
Family – Strigidae
Genus – Otus
Species – Otus scops
The Eurasian Scops Owl is found in Southern Europe, Western and Central Asia, and northern Africa. It prefers forests, gardens, park areas, and agricultural landscapes.
Lifespan in the wild is around 6-10 years, in captivity: up to 12 years. The weight typically ranges from 60 to 135 grams, with females being slightly larger than males. Body length is about 20 cm. The wingspan ranges from 47 to 55cm.
The Eurasian Scops Owl is monogamous. Nesting occurs in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds. Clutches usually consist of 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 25-30 days. The chicks leave the nest 30-35 days after hatching. Scops owls are nocturnal and primarily solitary, though they may gather in groups during migration. Scops owls are predators, and their diet mainly consists of insects, small rodents, frogs, lizards, and other small animals.
The Eurasian Scops Owl appears in many cultures as a symbol of wisdom, especially in ancient Greece, where owls were associated with the goddess Athena. It is also a subject of research for ornithologists due to its unique vocal communication and migratory habits.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Eurasian Scops Owl is classified as “Least Concern,” although some populations may be declining due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Interesting facts:
- Small but loud: Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops) is a small owl, weighing only about 60-135 g. Despite its tiny size, it has a loud and piercing call, often heard during summer nights.
- Camouflage for defense: Scops Owl is an expert at camouflage thanks to its plumage, which mimics the bark of trees. This makes it nearly invisible to predators when sitting still on a tree trunk.
- Migratory birds: Scops Owls are migratory birds that winter in Africa. In the fall, they leave their breeding grounds in Europe and Asia and head south.
- Night-time hunters: Scops Owls are nocturnal predators, primarily hunting insects, spiders, small mammals, and birds. Their large eyes allow them to see exceptionally well in the dark.
