Scientific name: Otus scops (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bird group: Owls
Field characters. 19 cm. Very small grey- or reddish-brown owl with fine black spots, bars and streaks. A row of white spots on sides of the mantle. Long ear tufts, like Long-eared Owl. Eyes yellow. Often sits in erect posture, but in the dark sometimes difficult to distinguish from Little Owl. Has smaller head than the latter, a longer tail and a less undulating flight. Difficult to see because it is completely nocturnal, and usually heard only.
Voice. A monotonously repeated 'tjuh', like a Midwife Toad.
Distribution. Common in summer in the southern part of the region.
Habitat. In half-open country with scattered trees, near villages, parks, and palm groves.
Food. Predominantly large insects, also sometimes small birds, reptiles, and mammals.