Eurasian Scops Owl

Eurasian scops owls are small, nocturnal owls whose finely streaked gray-brown plumage resembles tree bark. They inhabit semi-open landscapes containing mature cavity-bearing trees, including scrub, grassland, agricultural areas, gardens and mountain valleys. Their breeding distribution spans southern Europe, northern Africa and western to central Asia. Many populations migrate across the Sahara, although some birds remain year-round in milder Mediterranean regions. (Animal Diversity Web)

Pairs nest in natural tree holes, abandoned woodpecker cavities, rock openings, buildings or nest boxes. Females conduct the incubation while males deliver food, and both parents later provision and defend the young. The species is predominantly insectivorous, capturing moths, beetles, grasshoppers and cicadas from perches or in flight. Earthworms, spiders, geckos, frogs, mice and small birds form a much smaller portion of its diet. (Animal Diversity Web)