African Scops Owl

Otus senegalensis (Swainson, 1837)

Strigidae — Owls

African Scops Owl, Otus senegalensis, is a widespread owl of sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the family Strigidae and was first described by Swainson in 1837. This bird is a small species, and its plumage is usually greyish-brown, though it can also appear paler rufous or warmer brown. It is marked with streaks and mottling, has a grey facial disk edged in black, yellow eyes and ear tufts that are normally held down unless disturbed. It lives in wooded places, forest edges, gardens and mangroves.

Order
Strigiformes
Family
Strigidae — Owls
Breeding range
Africa: widespread
African Scops Owl
© Derek Keats · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0