African Scops Owl.
21st February 2026
The African Scops Owl is a widespread and strictly nocturnal bird of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is slightly smaller than its Eurasian cousin, but in almost all other aspects is very similar.
The main differences being a different call; the Eurasian Scops Owl has a repeated clear call resembling the five beeps preceding the old BBC speaking clock. The African species has a less clear Prrp Prrp call, much more difficult to locate.
Some of the African birds are also a slightly warmer brown, unlike the overall greyish appearance of most Scops Owls.
They roost like most Owls close to tree trunks, becoming active at night feeding on small prey like moths, beetles, spiders and grasshoppers etc. They swoop down to the ground on prey, but also hawk flying insects.
The main differences being a different call; the Eurasian Scops Owl has a repeated clear call resembling the five beeps preceding the old BBC speaking clock. The African species has a less clear Prrp Prrp call, much more difficult to locate.
Some of the African birds are also a slightly warmer brown, unlike the overall greyish appearance of most Scops Owls.
They roost like most Owls close to tree trunks, becoming active at night feeding on small prey like moths, beetles, spiders and grasshoppers etc. They swoop down to the ground on prey, but also hawk flying insects.