American Barn Owl vs Eurasian Scops Owl

In short

The American Barn Owl and the Eurasian Scops Owl are distinct in size and appearance. The Barn Owl is larger with a heart-shaped facial disk, while the Scops Owl is smaller with ear tufts. These differences are crucial for identification in the field.

Identification tips

1. Size: Barn Owl is much larger. 2. Facial Disk: Barn Owl has a heart-shaped facial disk; Scops Owl has ear tufts. 3. Plumage: Barn Owl is pale with speckles; Scops Owl is more camouflaged. 4. Vocalization: Listen for the Barn Owl's screech versus the Scops Owl's 'prrrip'. 5. Habitat: Consider the habitat; Barn Owls prefer open areas, Scops Owls prefer wooded areas.

Size

The American Barn Owl is significantly larger than the Eurasian Scops Owl.

Plumage

The Barn Owl has a distinctive heart-shaped facial disk with a white to pale face, and a golden-buff back with fine black speckles. The Scops Owl, on the other hand, is smaller with a more camouflaged appearance, featuring grayish-brown plumage and prominent ear tufts.

Behaviour

Both species are nocturnal, but the Barn Owl is more likely to be seen in open areas as it hunts over fields, while the Scops Owl tends to stay in wooded areas.

Habitat

The Barn Owl is found in a wide range of open habitats, including urban areas, while the Scops Owl prefers wooded habitats and is more commonly found in Europe and parts of Asia.

Voice

The Barn Owl is known for its eerie, screeching call, whereas the Scops Owl has a distinct, repetitive 'prrrip' call.