Owls
Ryukyu scops owl / Otus elegans / Ryukyu konohazuku / リュウキュウコノハズク
The Ryukyu scops owl is a very small species of owl (19 to 22 centimeters long) that is resident on the Ryukyu Islands. It can be found in the forests of Amami-Oshima from sea level to the tops of the mountains. The appearance of the males and females is similar: mostly brown with patterned flecks of black and yellow. The gray face is surrounded with reddish-brown feathers, and the ear tufts are so short that they are sometimes not apparent. Ryukyu scops owls are monogamous and territorial. They build their nests in tree hollows and breed from spring to summer. Also known as the elegant scops owl.
Ryukyu hawk-owl / Ninox scutulata totogo / Ryukyu aobazuku / リュウキュウアオバズク
This owl species migrates in other parts of Japan and Asia, but is resident on these southern islands. With a length of 27 to 33 centimeters, the Ryukyu hawk-owl is a medium-sized owl with big yellow eyes, an indistinct facial border, and no ear tufts. It is dark brown with brown streaks running down its white chest and belly. The bird is primarily nocturnal, and while it does feed on small animals, like rats and reptiles, it also hunts large flying insects.
