Definition

Noun 1. A small owl with ear tufts and a whistling call: A scops owl is a type of owl belonging to the genus Otus. They are characterized by their relatively small size, the presence of feathery ear tufts on their heads, and a distinctive vocalization that is often a repetitive, whistling or piping sound, rather than a typical owl "hoot."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The high-pitched call of the scops owl is a common sound in the Mediterranean forest at night.
  • We were lucky to spot a Eurasian scops owl perched perfectly camouflaged against the tree bark.
  • Unlike larger owls, the scops owl feeds primarily on insects and small invertebrates.

Advanced Usage

• As a taxonomic group: The term is often used in ornithology to refer collectively to the many species within the genus , found across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • The study focused on the migratory patterns of European scops owls.

Variants and Related Words

• Genus Otus: The scientific genus name for scops owls.
• Eared owl: An informal descriptive name sometimes used for owls with prominent ear tufts, which can include scops owls.

Synonyms

• Small eared owl: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its size and physical特征.
• (Note: There is no single common English synonym that replaces the specific ornithological term "scops owl.")

Related Phrases / Terms

• Ear tufts: The prominent feather plumes on the head of a scops owl (and some other owls), which are not actually ears but aid in camouflage and communication.
• Whistling call: The characteristic vocalization of a scops owl.

Noun

1. any of several small owls having ear tufts and a whistling call