Scops owl
Scops owls are small Old World owls, most belonging to the genus Otus. They are typically nocturnal and often have feather tufts that resemble ears.
Otus: Otus is a genus of small owls native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Most scops owl species belong to this genus.
Eurasian scops owl: The Eurasian scops owl is a migratory owl found across parts of Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It is a widely distributed species in the group.
Bird vocalization: Bird vocalization is sound produced by birds, including songs, calls, and other acoustic signals. Scops owl calls are often more useful for identifying them than brief nighttime sightings.
Pygmy owl: Pygmy owls are small owls, chiefly in the genus Glaucidium, found in the Americas and Eurasia. They are small owls too, but belong to a different genus and often hunt by day.
Strigiformes: Strigiformes is the bird order comprising owls, including barn owls and true owls. Scops owls are members of this broader order.
Indian scops owl: The Indian scops owl is a small owl native to the Indian subcontinent and nearby regions. It represents the group's South Asian species.
Bioacoustics: Bioacoustics is the study of sound production and hearing in animals. Researchers use recordings to survey secretive, nocturnal scops owls.
Screech owl: Screech owls are small New World owls in the genus Megascops. They resemble scops owls in size and appearance but are native to the Americas.
Ear tuft: An ear tuft is a feathered projection on the head of some birds, including many owls. Many scops owls raise these tufts, which are not external ears.
Oriental scops owl: The Oriental scops owl is a small owl native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. Its broad Asian range illustrates the group's regional diversity.