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Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) — photo 1 of 4
© Charlotte Kirchner cc-by

Owls

Long-eared Owl

Asio otus

Year-round

Voice

Call

Benjamin Mayer

1:00

Alarm

Christian Kahle

1:34

Call

Pichard Olivier

2:00

How to recognize it

  • Pigeon-sized, slim and long-winged

  • Two long dark ear tufts stand upright

  • Mottled gray-brown plumage, pale face, orange eyes

  • Tall narrow roosting posture; in flight, long narrow wings and a soft, buoyant glide

About the species

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.

Where to find

  • In old conifer-lined parks and groves, Long-eared Owl spends the day motionless against the trunk, hidden in dense foliage.

  • At the edge of town where trees meet a patch of grass or vacant ground, dusk brings a low hooting call and then a low glide over open ground in search of mice.

  • Along canal banks, pond fringes, and reed-filled ditches, watch for short hovering pauses over the open strip before a drop toward rustling prey.

  • In winter, scan quiet cemeteries and sheltered courtyards with tall spruces or pines — a tight daytime roost can show as a slim shape pressed into the branches.

You might also see

Sources