Eurasian Scops Owl

The Eurasian scops owl is a small owl, 19–21 centimetres long with a wingspan of 47–54 centimetres, somewhat smaller than the little owl. It perches upright and shows small ear-tufts. The plumage is predominantly grey-brown with a paler face, underparts and shoulder line. It has a strong, direct flight on long, narrow wings, reflecting its migratory habits. The call is a deep whistle given by both sexes, similar to the call of midwife toads of the genus Alytes. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Its breeding range extends from southern Europe eastwards to southern Siberia and the western Himalayas. It is migratory, wintering in Africa south of the Sahara, although it is resident year-round in parts of Mediterranean Europe. It is also known as the European scops owl, common scops owl or simply the scops owl. (Wikipedia, general species account)