Japanese Scops-Owl

Japanese scops-owls are 16.5–30 cm (6.5–11.8 in) tall, and their wingspan is 60–66 cm (23.5–26 in). They weigh 130–200 g (4.6–7.1 oz). Their plumage is gray and brown, resembling the bark of a tree which helps them camouflage in their environment. Their wings are long, around 153–196 mm (6.0–7.7 in), and pointed. Furthermore, like most scops-owls, they have prominent ear tufts. This species has a pale grey-brown facial disc, intense red eyes, green feet, with feathered toes, and a green bill. It is often confused with the collared scops-owl which is smaller and whiter than the Japanese scops-owl. It is also confused with the northern white-faced owl which is also whiter than the Japanese scops-owl but relatively the same size. This species can reach flight speeds of 80 kph (50 mph).

Japanese scops-owls live in forested habitats such as lowland forests, wooded plain and forested hillsides, as well as woodlands and mountains. They can be found in habitats at elevations between sea-level and 900 meters. They can also be found in the parks and gardens of villages. This species is resident, but it can do small-scale migrations. Japanese scops-owls can move locally depending on the seasons, coming at lower elevations in winter. Japanese scops-owls are found in Japan, Korea, China, and Russia. O. s. ussriensis is found in Sakhalin, Primorsky Krai and Northeastern China. O. s. semitorques is resident to the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island, Kuril Islands, Sado Island, Tsushima Island, Goto Islands, Hokkaido and Yakushima. O. s. pryeri inhabits Izu Islands and Ryukyu Islands.

Japanese scops-owls feed primarily on invertebrates (insects, millipedes, centipedes, crustaceans) then followed by small rodents (voles and mice). They can also feed on small birds, frogs, lizards, snakes and fish. They are active predators meaning they mostly search for prey while flying. Still, they sometimes perch to hunt. When consuming rodents, they most often go for juveniles as it is easier to find sedentary prey such as juveniles in a nest. They hunt in open areas and rely on auditory cues to detect prey and prey nests. Their eyes are adapted to nocturnal living which explains why they hunt at night.

In Japanese culture, owls symbolize good luck, wisdom and protection against misfortune. Scops-owls can be found represented in Japanese art such as pottery and paintings. They are also often depicted in literature and films due to their unique and mysterious appearance.

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