The scops owl is a small owl and the
European Scops Owl (Otus Scops) is
just one of 45 currently known sub species.
New ones are frequently recognized and
unknown ones are still being discovered
every few years or so. It's plumage is a fine
banded grey-buff, intricately marked with
black which provides excellent camouflage.
Scops owls are nocturnal and hunt from
perches in semi-open landscapes. They
prefer areas which contain old trees with
hollows. These are home to their prey which
includes insects, reptiles, small mammals
such as bats and mice and other small birds.
They have excellent hearing and night vision.
2-6 eggs are laid from March-August, usually
in a tree cavity. Eggs are incubated for
25 days, young leave the nest by about
4 weeks and are independent by a week later.
