Japanese scops owl

The Japanese scops-owl 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.

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Distribution

Region

East Asia

Typical Environment

Found across much of Japan and parts of eastern China, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East in wooded habitats. It favors mixed and deciduous forests, groves, riparian woodland, and forest edges near farmland. It also occupies temple groves, city parks, and shelterbelts where mature trees provide cavities for nesting. Dense foliage and broken canopies are preferred for roosting during the day.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size23–27 cm

Wing Span54–62 cm

Male Weight0.18 kg

Female Weight0.2 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This small ear-tufted owl is most often detected by its repetitive, mellow hoots rather than by sight, thanks to excellent camouflage against bark. It nests in natural tree cavities or old woodpecker holes and readily uses nest boxes where available. In Japan it can occur surprisingly close to people, hunting around parks and semi-urban woodlots at night.

Gallery

Hagiyama ware incense container in the shape of an owl, late Edo Period

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief glides

Social Behavior

Pairs form in the breeding season and defend small territories centered on nest cavities. Nests are typically in tree holes with 3–5 eggs laid in spring. Adults roost singly or as pairs by day, relying on camouflage to avoid detection.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A soft, repetitive series of mellow hoots, often given at regular intervals through the night. Males call persistently to advertise territory and attract mates, with notes carrying well in woodland. Alarm calls are sharper barks and mews.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Japanese sparrowhawk

The Japanese sparrowhawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers. It was formerly placed in the genus Accipiter. The bird is known by many alternative names such as the Japanese lesser, Asiatic, or Eastern sparrowhawk. This species is a small raptor with broader and rounder wings and a shorter tail. Its total length measures 23–30 centimetres (9.1–11.8 in). It has a dark back and whitish underside with brown-grey barring and red-brown colouring on the sides in males, and with heavier brown barring on the abdomen in females. Both sexes have a stripe across the throat, but its more obvious in the female. Is it typically identified by its appearance, but occasionally produces a chattering kiki-kik-kik... sound. This species generally breeds in parts of Russia, Korea, Japan, and China. There are three subspecies of Japanese sparrowhawk that differ by distribution and appearance. The species is globally listed as least concern, although it is listed as endangered in Japan and protected in China.

Japanese thrush

The Japanese thrush is a species of bird in the thrush family Turdidae. The species is also known as the grey thrush or the Japanese grey thrush. The species was once split into two subspecies, with birds breeding in China being treated as the subspecies T. c. lateus,, but today differences are attributed to natural variation and the species is treated as being monotypic.

Japanese waxwing

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