Otus scops - Scops Owl
Feather characters. Barbules are long (1.8-2.0 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and unpigmented internodes. Both vase-shaped and slightly thickened and somewhat elongated nodes are present. Nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (18-20 per mm). Proximal nodes are vase-shaped, they abruptly decrease in size into slightly thickened nodes distally. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Short prongs are mostly located on distal end of the barbules, on both sides of the pennulum. Their length varies; the longest ones are longer than 0.01 mm, but shorter than half the length of the adjacent internode.
Field characters. Size 19 cm. Weight 92 g (64-135) (Dunning, 1993). Very small grey- or reddish-brown owl with fine black spots, bars and streaks. A row of white spots on sides of the mantle. Long ear tufts, like Long-eared Owl. Eyes yellow. Often sits in erect posture, but in the dark sometimes difficult to distinguish from Little Owl. Has smaller head than the latter, a longer tail and a less undulating flight. Difficult to see because it is completely nocturnal, and usually heard only.
Voice. A monotonously repeated 'tjuh', like a Midwife Toad.
Distribution. Common in summer in the southern part of the region. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. In half-open country with scattered trees, near villages, parks, and palm groves.
Food. Predominantly large insects, also sometimes small birds, reptiles, and mammals.