Japanese scops owl

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.

Japanese scops-owls are 16.5–30 cm (6.5–11.8 in) tall, and their wingspan is 60–66 cm (23.5–26 in). They weigh 130–200 g (4.6–7.1 oz). Their plumage is gray and brown, resembling the bark of a tree which helps them camouflage in their environment. Their wings are long, around 153–196 mm (6.0–7.7 in), and pointed. Furthermore, like most scops-owls, they have prominent ear tufts. 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).