The Eurasian scops owl was formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae.

[4][5] The Eurasian scops owl is now placed in the genus Otus that was introduced in 1769 by Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant.

The specific epithet scops is from the Ancient Greek word skōps for a little eared owl.

[8] The term is believed to be of Pre-Greek origin; folk etymology links it to σκώπτω (skṓptō, "to mock") or σκέπτομαι (sképtomai, "to examine").

The plumage is predominantly grey-brown in colour, with a paler face, underparts and shoulder line.

This species has a strong direct flight on long narrow wings, reflecting its migratory habits.