Japanese Scops Owl

The Japanese scops owl, Otus semitorques, is a diminutive raptor of the Strigidae family. Exhibiting a grey-brown plumage that splendidly mimics the bark of trees, this owl is a master of camouflage. Its stature ranges from 16.5 to 30 cm in height, with a wingspan stretching between 60 and 66 cm. Weighing a mere 130 to 200 grams, it is equipped with long, pointed wings and distinctive ear tufts that contribute to its characteristic silhouette.

Identification Tips

When observing this species, note the pale grey-brown facial disc, the striking red eyes, and the greenish hue of the bill and feet, which are feathered. The ear tufts are quite prominent, aiding in its identification. It is often mistaken for the smaller and paler Collared scops owl or the similarly sized but whiter Northern white-faced owl.

Habitat

The Japanese scops owl favors forested environments, from lowland forests and wooded plains to forested hillsides. It also adapts well to woodlands and mountainous regions, and can be found in parks and gardens within villages.

Distribution

This owl is indigenous to Japan, Korea, China, and Russia, with three recognized subspecies distributed across various regions. It is a resident species, though it may undertake minor altitudinal migrations, descending to lower elevations during winter months.

Behaviour

A solitary creature outside of the breeding season, the Japanese scops owl is monogamous during its time of courtship. It exhibits a preference for hunting in open areas, utilizing both flight and perching strategies to capture prey, primarily at night.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Japanese scops owl includes a variety of screeches, meows, hoots, and chatters. Males emit a deep "whook" to attract mates or ward off predators, and other calls include "kwe," "koo," "kwee-kwee," and "pew-u, pew-u" notes.

Breeding

Breeding pairs form seasonally, with males attracting females through vocal displays and nest preparation. Nesting occurs from March to July, with eggs laid in March and incubated for 3 to 4 weeks. Fledging takes place in May and June, with owlets capable of flight at 4 to 6 weeks of age. Clutches typically consist of 2 to 5 eggs, with an average of 1 to 3 hatching.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Japanese scops owl is carnivorous, focusing on invertebrates such as insects, millipedes, centipedes, and crustaceans, followed by small rodents like voles and mice. It also consumes small birds, frogs, lizards, snakes, and fish.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Japanese scops owl as Least Concern, with a stable population trend across a broad range. Despite its proximity to human settlements, it faces threats from traffic, habitat destruction, hunting, and poisoning, particularly in Korea.

In the voice of David Attenborough: "In the quiet of the forest, the Japanese scops owl sits almost invisible against the bark of a tree, its red eyes the only hint of its presence. As night falls, this small but formidable predator takes to the skies, its silent flight a testament to its evolutionary perfection. With each hoot and screech, it signals its dominion over the night, a solitary guardian in the moonlit world."