Ryūkyū scops owl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ryūkyū scops owl |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Otus
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| Species: |
elegans
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The Ryūkyū scops-owl (pronounced Ree-yoo-kyoo skops-owl), also called the elegant scops-owl, is a small owl. It has reddish-brown feathers and a brown face. Around its face, it has a cinnamon-colored "ruff" of feathers. This owl has yellow eyes and an olive-grey bill.
These owls are very protective of their homes. They can't make holes in trees themselves because their beaks aren't strong enough. So, they usually build their nests in holes that are already there. These can be natural holes in old trees or holes made by other animals. Sometimes, they even nest in surprising places like drainage pipes or water tanks!
The Ryūkyū scops-owl mostly eats insects like katydids, moths, and millipedes. But they also enjoy a meal of geckos, lizards, or even small birds like the Japanese White-eye.
Where Do Ryūkyū Scops-Owls Live?
Ryūkyū scops-owls need specific types of trees to make their homes. They look for trees with holes that are at least 38 centimeters (about 15 inches) wide. Some trees are better for them than others. For example, a tree called Pometia pinnata often has many good holes. This means you might find more Ryūkyū scops-owls where these trees grow.
These owls live on the Ryukyu Islands in southern Japan. You can also find them on Lanyu Island near Taiwan, and on the Batanes and Babuyan Islands in the northern Luzon, Philippines. They prefer to live in warm, wet forests that stay green all year. Sadly, it's becoming harder for them to find places to live because their forest homes are disappearing.
Types of Ryūkyū Scops-Owls
There are a few different types, or subspecies, of the Ryūkyū scops-owl:
- O. e. elegans
- O. e. calayensis
- O. e. interpositus
- O. e. botelensis - This one is also known as the Lanyu Scops Owl.
