Short-eared Owl

horned owl with short wings and rounded head.

Scientific name	Asio flammeus
English name	Short-eared Owl
Japanese name	Komimizuku
Classification	Aves
Classification details	Strigiformes Strigidae
Full length	about 40cm
Distribution	Fly to all over Japan in winter to overwinter.

Characteristics

A medium-sized owl that can be seen in winter. One size smaller than a crow. Light brown plumage with dark brown vertical stripes. The back is dark brown. The wings are short and the silhouette of the face is round. The outline of the face is surrounded by white feathers, giving it a fat, heart-shaped appearance. The beak is lead-colored and sharp, and the iris is yellow. The legs are light brown, thick and strong. When flying, the head is thicker and the tail feathers are thinner, making them waterdrop-shaped.

Ecology

They fly to all over Japan in the winter for overwintering. They are nocturnal, but can also be seen in the early evening. It catches and eats birds and small animals near the ground. It can also be seen perched on tree branches and stakes.

Habitat

Edogawa riverbed

It appeared on the riverbed of the Edo River after 16:00. They were looking for food by perching on the branches of trees on the riverbed and circling around. Sometimes it even landed on the ground. The flight speed was not so fast, and it was leisurely. It was being chased around by crows on the river.