Japanese scops owl

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.[3] 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.[3] The Japanese scops-owl is closely related to the Indian scops-owl (Otus bakkamoena) and was once thought to be the same species. It is also related to the Collared scops-owl (Otus lettia) and the Sunda scops-owl (Otus lempiji). These four species are sometimes considered conspecific and can be combined into a species known as the Collard scops-owl (Otus bakkamoena). The genus name Otus, derived from Latin, means small-eared owl.

Three subspecies are recognised:[4]

• 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).[5] They weight 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.[5] Their wings are long, around 153–196 mm (6-7.5 in), and pointed. Furthermore, like most scops-owls, they have prominent ear tufts.[6] This species has a pale grey-brown facial disc, intense red eyes, green feet, with feathered toes, and a green bill.[7] 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.[7] 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.[3] 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.[3] Japanese scops-owls are found in Japan, Korea, China, and Russia. Otus semitorques ussriensis is found in Sakhalin, Ussuriland and Northeastern China. Otus semitorques semitorques is resident to the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island, Kuril Islands, Sado Island, Tsushima Island, Goto Islands, Hokkaido and Yakushima. Otus semitorques pryeri inhabits Izu Islands and Ryukyu Islands.[3]

Japanese scops-owls are considered of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. They are found throughout a large range and their population trend is stable.[10] 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.[11]

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

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.