African Scops Owl vs Spotted Eagle Owl
Otus senegalensis versus Bubo africanus
Play a quiz with African Scops Owl and Spotted Eagle Owl
African Scops Owl
Spotted Eagle Owl
In short
The African Scops Owl is smaller and has gray facial disks with narrow black borders, while the Spotted Eagle Owl is larger with more prominent ear tufts and distinctive spots. Size and facial disk color are the most reliable field marks for distinguishing these two species.
Identification tips
1. Size: African Scops Owl is noticeably smaller. 2. Facial Disks: Look for gray facial disks with narrow black borders on the African Scops Owl. 3. Ear Tufts: Spotted Eagle Owl has more prominent ear tufts. 4. Plumage: Spotted Eagle Owl has distinctive spots.
Size
The African Scops Owl is smaller compared to the larger Spotted Eagle Owl.
Plumage
African Scops Owl has gray facial disks with narrow black borders, whereas the Spotted Eagle Owl has more prominent ear tufts and distinctive spots.