Owl, Eurasian Scops

Conservation status:

Passage Migrant

Description:

Small ‘eared’ owl; very similar to and difficult to distinguish from Pallid Scops Owl. Rather large-headed with small ear-tufts (head often just looks angular); brown-grey or rufous-brown with paler face and dark surround to yellow eyes. Plumage above streaked, barred and vermiculated black-brown; sides of crown, ears and shoulder distinctly white- or buff-spotted; underparts streaked, barred and vermiculated, interspersed with white blotches, primaries pale-barred. From other scops owl best distinguished by voice. Markedly nocturnal.