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Birds

Birds

Common name Eurasian scops owl
Scientific name Otus scops
Type Forest birds
Status Summer

Medium sized corvid (about 35 cm or 14 in) with a very striking plumage and an unmistakable call. The body is rufous with lighter shades in the underparts. It has stripes with turquoise and black bands on the wings. Black tail with a thick white band. Head with reddish nape, white throat and striated upper area. Black moustachial stripe and a very thick bill.

Habitats

Woodland environments

Where it lives

In all types of woodland stands, from deciduous and mixed forests to pure conifers. It looks for the most cleared areas and the edges of the woods.

How it lives

Species resident and present all year round in Malaga. The Eurasian Jay breeds from April and makes a single laying of 4 to 6 eggs. It is an omnivorous and opportunistic bird, like most of the corvids, feeding on acorns, chestnuts, wild berries and all kinds of grains and fruits. It also consumes eggs and chicks from birds, as well as insects, caterpillars and earthworms. The seasonal availability of each food determines its diet.

Where it can be seen in Malaga

Very frequent and abundant bird that can be watched in almost all the Great Path, in particular in the stages with forest formations.

Curious facts

The Eurasian Jay fulfills two important functions. First, it tends to bury in the ground some of the acorns that it catches, thus contributing to regenerate the forest. Second, this jay emits a harsh, strong and repetitive call as soon as it detects strangers. This, together with the fact that it is usually on the edges of forest stands, serves as a warning of dangers to other birds and animals.

Similar birds
Present
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Wintering Summer Resident Migration
Audios