Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
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Asio flammeus
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Mass
~320 g
Habitat
Grasslands and meadows
Diet
Small vertebrates
How to recognize it
The Short-eared Owl gives an open-country impression, with broad wings and a buoyant, wavering flight that looks almost lazy from a distance. Its face has a pale, mask-like look, and the small feather tufts usually stay hidden unless it feels threatened.
It is active by day as well as in the dim light of morning and evening, and it often hunts low over grassland with slow, steady wingbeats before dropping onto prey. Its voice is rough and scratchy, more bark than hoot.
It favors open ground such as grasslands, tundra, meadows, and other treeless places. Rodents make up most of its food, though it will also take birds and insects, and some populations move south in winter or wander when food runs low.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The Short-eared Owl gives an open-country impression, with broad wings and a buoyant, wavering flight that looks almost lazy from a distance. Its face has a pale, mask-like look, and the small feather tufts usually stay hidden unless it feels threatened.
It is active by day as well as in the dim light of morning and evening, and it often hunts low over grassland with slow, steady wingbeats before dropping onto prey. Its voice is rough and scratchy, more bark than hoot.
It favors open ground such as grasslands, tundra, meadows, and other treeless places. Rodents make up most of its food, though it will also take birds and insects, and some populations move south in winter or wander when food runs low.
How to recognize it
You might also see
Sources
- eBird — Asio flammeus Sightings map and full description on eBird
- Wikipedia — Short-eared owl Encyclopedia article