Японский воробьиный сыч (Otus semitorques)

Species of bird

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.

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)

Japanese scops owls are 16.5–30 cm (6.5–12 in) tall, and their wingspan is 60–66 cm (23.5–26 in). They weigh 130 200 grams (4.5 7 oz). 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 Collard 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. 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. The female incubates the eggs for 3 to 4 weeks during which the male will bring her food. Fledgling occurs in May and June. 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.

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.