Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for 'horned owl' typically refers to owls with ear tufts, most commonly the Eurasian eagle-owl or similar species. The general word is ミミズク, but specific species names exist.
Referring to an owl with prominent ear tufts, as a general category.
The standard Japanese word for any owl with ear tufts (literally 'ear owl'). Often written in katakana, but can also be written as 木菟 or 角鴟 in kanji, though these are less common.
I saw a horned owl in that forest.
Horned owls are nocturnal.
A shorter, colloquial term for horned owl, often used in compound names or casual speech. Less formal than ミミズク.
I can hear a horned owl hooting.
Referring to the large Eurasian eagle-owl, the most well-known horned owl species.
Literally 'eagle horned owl', this is the standard name for the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo). It is the largest owl species in Japan.
The Eurasian eagle-owl spread its large wings.
Referring to the long-eared owl, a medium-sized owl with long ear tufts.
The Japanese name for the long-eared owl. Literally 'tiger-striped horned owl', referring to its plumage pattern.
Long-eared owls migrate to Japan in winter.
Referring to the short-eared owl, which has very short ear tufts and is often seen in open habitats.
The Japanese name for the short-eared owl. Literally 'small horned owl', though its ear tufts are barely visible.
Short-eared owls are also active during the day.
Referring to small horned owls of the genus Otus, often called scops owls.
A general term for small scops owls with ear tufts, especially the Oriental scops owl. Literally 'leaf horned owl', due to their camouflage.
The call of the Oriental scops owl sounds like 'buppousou'.
In Japanese, owls are broadly divided into ミミズク (horned owls, with ear tufts) and フクロウ (earless owls, without ear tufts). However, this is a traditional classification and not strictly scientific. Some owls called ミミズク may have very small tufts, and some フクロウ may have slight tufts. When in doubt, ミミズク is the safer general term for any owl with visible ear tufts.