The Japanese Scops Owl is a small, migratory owl found across East Asia, breeding in Japan and wintering further south. It is a secretive forest resident.
Where to spot
Breeds in Japan and Sakhalin, Russia. Migrates to Southeast Asia (e.g., Taiwan, Philippines, Indochina) for winter. Inhabits mixed and broadleaf forests.
How to spot
Listen for its soft, monotonous, repeated 'hooo-hooo' call. Look for its small size, cryptic brown plumage, and often inconspicuous ear tufts. Nocturnal spotlighting in forested areas.
When to spot
Active during summer in breeding grounds (June-August). Best observed nocturnally.
Where to spot
Breeds in Japan and Sakhalin, Russia. Migrates to Southeast Asia (e.g., Taiwan, Philippines, Indochina) for winter. Inhabits mixed and broadleaf forests.
How to spot
Listen for its soft, monotonous, repeated 'hooo-hooo' call. Look for its small size, cryptic brown plumage, and often inconspicuous ear tufts. Nocturnal spotlighting in forested areas.
When to spot
Active during summer in breeding grounds (June-August). Best observed nocturnally.
This owl is known for its subtle, rhythmic hooting call, which can be easily overlooked amidst the ambient sounds of a nocturnal forest, making careful listening essential for detection.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Essential cookies are necessary for basic functionality, while analytical cookies help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve it.
Cookie Preferences
Customize your privacy settings
Choose which cookies you want to allow. Necessary cookies are always enabled for the basic functionality of the website. You can always change your preferences later via the cookie settings in the footer.
Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Analytics Cookies
Help us understand how visitors use our website, so we can improve it.