Otus scops

CH — Endangered

CH — Rare breeder

Like many other species, the Eurasian scops owl is dependent on an open cultural landscape with diverse wildflowers and grasses. This is not because the owl is herbivorous, but because habitats of this type harbour its main food source, the great green bush-cricket. This species — the largest native grasshopper — also preys on insects, many of which can only survive in rarely mown wildflower meadows. In contrast to monocultures such as maize fields or dense grasslands, this species-rich habitat offers food, shelter and breeding sites for countless insects.