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Glite Dictionary
scops owl

scops owl

8.7
A small owl with ear feathers that makes a soft whistling call at night in Europe, Asia, and Africa
  • noun
  • /skoʊps aʊl/
  • UK
translation icon : búho scops
  • The scops owl is known for its unique call.

Examples

  • We spotted a scops owl perched silently on a branch at dusk.

  • I spotted a scops owl in the tree last night.

  • Despite its small size, the scops owl is an efficient nocturnal hunter.

  • The call of the scops owl can be heard throughout the Mediterranean night.

  • The scops owl is known for its unique whistling call that can be heard during the night.

  • During our hike, we spotted a scops owl perched quietly on a branch, its ear tufts standing out.

  • In the forests of Africa, the scops owl blends effortlessly into its surroundings, making it hard to spot.

Synonyms

Otus scops
vsscops owl
  • Specialized
9.9

A small owl that lives in southern Europe and nearby parts of Asia and Africa

is the common name used more widely and for populations across Eurasia and Africa
Old World scops owl
vsscops owl
  • UK
8.7

A small European owl with feathers that blend into tree bark and a soft call

is the broader name emphasizing ear tufts and whistling call across continents

Surface Forms

scops owl singular
scops owls plural

Morphology

scops + owl

The element 'scops' is not a transparent, ordinary English word (dictionary shows 'not found'), so knowing 'owl' alone does not let a B1 learner infer the specific species or characteristics. This is a lexicalized species name whose meaning is not compositionally predictable from its parts, making the compound effectively idiomatic for learners.

Etymology

Scops owl may come from an old word scops meaning a 'small horned owl', because people noticed the bird's tiny ear tufts like little horns and its soft, whistling call. That's why the name refers to the small owl with ear tufts and a whistling song.