About the Short-eared Owl
The short-eared owl is a widespread grassland species in the family Strigidae. Owls belonging to genus Asio are known as the eared owls, as they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or may not be visible. The short-eared owl will display its tufts when in a defensive pose, although its very short tufts are usually not visible. The short-eared owl is found in open country and grasslands.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
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The short-eared owl is a medium-sized owl measuring 34–43 cm (13–17 in) in length and weighing 206–475 g (7.3–16.8 oz). It has large eyes, a big head, a short neck, and broad wings. Its bill is short, strong, hooked and black. Its plumage is mottled tawny to brown with a barred tail and wings. The upper breast is significantly streaked. Its flight is characteristically floppy due to its irregular wingbeats. The short-eared owl may also be described as "moth or bat-like" in flight. Wingspans range from 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 in). Females are slightly larger than males. Voice: Short-eared owls have a scratchy bark-like call. Raspy waowk, waowk, waowk or toot-toot-toot-toot-toot sounds are common. A loud eeee-yerp is also heard on breeding grounds. However, short-eared owls are silent on the wintering grounds.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Short-eared Owl sounds like
Where the Short-eared Owl lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Luxembourg, Mauritania, Guatemala, Bahamas, French Guiana, Bahrain, Malaysia, North Korea, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Kenya, Jordan, Laos, Macao SAR China, Montenegro, Guam.
When to see the Short-eared Owl
Peak activity in January · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Long-eared OwlAsio otusThis species is a slim and long winged owl with erectile ear tufts, which are positioned closer to the center of the head than in many other types of owl.
Stygian OwlAsio stygiusThe Stygian owl is 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 in) long and weighs about 400 to 675 g (14 to 24 oz).
Marsh OwlAsio capensisMedium-sized, dark brown with a pumpkin-shaped head with small 'ear' tufts.
Side by side: Long-eared Owl vs Short-eared Owl
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