Ryukyu Scops Owl (Otus elegans) – Wildlife of Japan

Introduction

The Ryukyu Scops Owl is a small nocturnal owl found on Japan’s southern islands, including Amami Ōshima, Okinawa, and Minami-daito. Its soft, repetitive call is a familiar sound in subtropical forest at night, but the bird itself is rarely seen. Because its range is limited to scattered islands with ongoing habitat changes, the species is listed as Near Threatened.

Appearance

This owl measures about 19–22 cm, with slightly smaller birds on Minami-daito. It has bright yellow eyes, short ear-tufts, and brown plumage finely patterned with dark and pale flecks. The facial disc is grey with a reddish-brown border. Underparts are ashy-brown with vertical streaks. Males and females look alike in the field.

Habitat & Distribution

The species inhabits subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest but also uses secondary woods and tree shelterbelts when suitable cavities are available. In Japan, the subspecies O. e. elegans occurs from Amami to Yonaguni, while O. e. interpositus is restricted to Minami-daito.

Where to See in Japan

The Ryukyu Scops Owl is easier to detect by sound than by sight.

• Okinawa Island (Yambaru): Commonly heard along forest roads at night.
• Amami Ōshima: Widespread in forested mountains; often calling soon after sunset.
• Minami-daito-jima: The island subspecies is frequently heard around tree shelterbelts.
  Across all regions, quiet forest roads at night provide the best chance for detection.

Behavior

The species is strictly nocturnal, roosting close to trunks or in palm crowns during the day. Pairs are monogamous and maintain territories year-round. The male gives a repeated “kohok, kohok” call, and the female answers with a lower note.

Diet

The owl mainly feeds on insects. On Okinawa, nestlings receive mostly Orthoptera; on Minami-daito, huntsman spiders and American cockroaches form a large portion. Adults hunt by dropping from perches onto prey.

Reproduction

The species nests in natural cavities and old woodpecker holes. Clutch size is usually 2–3 eggs. The female incubates for about 26 days, and the nestling period is roughly 30 days. Predators vary by island: snakes on Okinawa, introduced mammals on Minami-daito.

Conservation

The species is Near Threatened due to habitat loss, decline of cavity-bearing trees, introduced predators, and limited territory space on small islands.

Author’s Impression

The Ryukyu Scops Owl is a small owl that is very difficult to find. While driving along forest roads at night, you may occasionally spot one perched on a branch. When observing this species, please use a low-intensity, non-disturbing light.