Long-eared Owl
Asio otus
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Asio otus
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Mass
~300 g
Habitat
Forests
Diet
Small vertebrates
How to recognize it
The Long-eared Owl has a slim, poised look, with long wings and raised ear tufts that give it a taut, alert outline. At rest it often freezes upright and blends into the shade, so it can seem surprisingly hard to spot.
It is a quiet night hunter. By day it hides in dense foliage, then becomes active after dusk; the male gives a deep, far-carrying whoop, while adults near the nest may hiss and snap their bills, and young birds call with thin, high notes.
It needs open ground close to trees, so it fits woodland edges, parks, orchards and other green corners in towns. Small rodents make up most of its food, especially voles and mice, with insects added at times and small birds appearing more in the nesting season.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Long-eared Owl has a slim, poised look, with long wings and raised ear tufts that give it a taut, alert outline. At rest it often freezes upright and blends into the shade, so it can seem surprisingly hard to spot.
It is a quiet night hunter. By day it hides in dense foliage, then becomes active after dusk; the male gives a deep, far-carrying whoop, while adults near the nest may hiss and snap their bills, and young birds call with thin, high notes.
It needs open ground close to trees, so it fits woodland edges, parks, orchards and other green corners in towns. Small rodents make up most of its food, especially voles and mice, with insects added at times and small birds appearing more in the nesting season.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Asio otus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Long-eared owl Encyclopedia article