[order] STRIGIFORMES | [family] Strigidae | [latin] Otus semitorques | [authority] Temminck, 1850 | [UK] Japanese Scops Owl | [FR] Petit-duc du Japon | [DE] Japan-Halsbandeule | [ES] Autillo Japones | [NL] Japanse dwergooruil
Subspecies
Monotypic species
Genus
Members of the genus Otus are the Scops and Screech owls. They are relatively small owls, with short, rounded wings. Most have erectile ear-tufts. Otus is a worldwide genus, containing some 45 species.
Physical charateristics
Upper parts grey finely vermiculated with dark brown. The wings dark brown, outer webs of primaries with whitish-buff bars, inner webs finely vermiculated; a white band on the scapulars. The tail brownish-grey narrowly barred with whitish and finely vermiculated with brown. The underparts greyish-brown streaked dark, the feathers with dark brown shaft-stripes and parts finely vermiculated with brown. The bill greenish, the feet grey.
| wingspan min.: | 0 | cm | wingspan max.: | 0 | cm |
| size min.: | 23 | cm | size max.: | 25 | cm |
| incubation min.: | 0 | days | incubation max.: | 0 | days |
| fledging min.: | 0 | days | fledging max.: | 0 | days |
| broods: | 0 | eggs min.: | 4 | ||
| eggs max.: | 5 |
Range
Eurasia : Northeast China, Korea, Ussuriland, Japan, Ryukyu Is.
Habitat
Lowland forest,wooded plainsforest hillsides to 900m;in winter parks & gardens
Reproduction
Nest is a tree cavity, clutch size 4-5 eggs. No further information
Feeding habits
Usually insects and small vertebrates including rodents, birds and reptiles.
Video Japanese Scops Owl
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaaXe7xYlZQ
copyright: Josep del Hoyo
Conservation
Not globally threatened, and very common in some areas.
The species is part of a complex Otus family. Taxonomic status still discussed.
The species is part of a complex Otus family. Taxonomic status still discussed.
Migration
Resident but nomadic, will descent to lower latitudes during winter.
Distribution map
