The Japanese scops-owl (Otus semitorques) is a small owl species in the family Strigidae, or true owl family. It is a member of the genus Otus, the scops owl genus. It is resident to Japan, China, Korea, and Russia.
Japanese scops-owls have a grey-brown plumage, red eyes, and prominent ear tufts. They resides in forests, woodlands, and mountains. They are carnivorous, mainly feeding on invertebrates and small rodents. They nest in tree hollows and raise a small brood. Males use their vocalizations to attract mates or deter predators.
Taxonomy
The Japanese scops-owl was first classified by Temminck and Schlegel in 1845. It is part of the family Strigidae, the true owl family, which contains 90% of all owl species. The other 10% of owls are part of the family Tytonidae, the barn owl family. The Japanese scops-owl is part of the genus Otus which is the largest genus of owls. This genus includes 59 species of scops-owls found throughout Afro-Eurasia. The genus Otus was first introduced by Thomas Pennant in 1769 with the discovery of the Indian scops-owl.
- O. s. ussuriensis (Buturlin, 1910) – northeast China, southeast Siberia and Korea Peninsula
- O. s. semitorques Temminck & Schlegel, 1845 – Kuril Islands and Hokkaido south to Yakushima (Ōsumi Islands, south Japan)
- O. s. pryeri (Gurney, JH Sr, 1889) – Okinawa to Iriomote (central, south Ryukyu Islands, south Japan)
Description
Japanese scops-owls are tall, and their wingspan is . They weigh . Their plumage is gray and brown, resembling the bark of a tree which helps them camouflage in their environment. 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).
Habitat and distribution
Japanese scops-owls live in forested habitats such as lowland forests, wooded plain and forested hillsides, as well as woodlands and mountains. Their eyes are adapted to nocturnal living which explains why they hunt at night. Japanese scops-owls have a lifespan of 12 years.
Vocalization
Japanese scops-owls have varied vocalizations including screeches, meows, hoots and chatters. They screech mostly to deter predators. Males usually give repeated deep at different intervals. Some of their other calls are described as or notes. They also repeat and sounds. They are common and live in close proximity to humans. Still, especially in Korea, Japanese scops-owls are prone to anthropogenic impacts. Traffic accidents, habitat destruction, hunting and poisoning pose serious threats to this species and could negatively affect its population size in the long run.thumb|[[Hagiyama ware incense container in the shape of an owl, late Edo Period]]
Cultural significance
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.