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Eurasian Scops Owl

David Attenborough presents the Eurasian scops owl found in Mediterranean regions.

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Sir David Attenborough presents the Eurasian scops owl found in Mediterranean regions. In summer a mournful monosyllabic call interrupts the heady scented air of a Greek olive grove at dusk. A male scops owl is proclaiming his territory with a repeated call lasting over 20 minutes. Hearing these tiny owls, no bigger than a starling is one thing, seeing one roosting in an old tree is quite a challenge. They feed mainly on moths and beetles which they hunt for in open country with scattered trees. By autumn these largely nocturnal birds are heading south to sub-Saharan Africa, until the following spring when once again the olive groves resound to their plaintive song.

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2 minutes

Last on

Thu 25 Aug 2022 05:58

Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops)

Webpage image courtesy of Bengt Lundberg / naturepl.com

NPL RefΜύ Β© Bengt Lundberg / naturepl.com

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The Eurasian scops owl is also known as 'common scops owl'.

Broadcasts

  • Wed 24 Sep 2014 05:58
  • Sun 28 Sep 2014 08:58
  • Fri 12 Feb 2016 05:58
  • Mon 13 Aug 2018 05:58
  • Thu 25 Aug 2022 05:58

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