COMMON NAME: Short-eared Owl
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Asio flammeus
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
About the same size as the long-eared owl, the short-eared owl has
such small tufts that they are rarely noticed. A very round facial disc and
tawny
brown coloration are its most noticeable characteristics.
RANGE:
Widespread throughout the northern hemisphere, the short-eared owl
can be found in North America, Europe, and the Soviet Union. The bird is
also found
in the
Caribbean and South America.
HABITAT:
A grassland owl, the short-eared owl seems to be found most often
in wet meadows and marshland habitats. In winter, they can be found communally
roosting in
stands of trees near appropriate hunting fields.
NESTING:
Short-eared owls nest on the ground in medium to tall grasslands.
They do not build a nest, but lay their eggs in an area of flattened grass
that is
protected
by a dense canopy.
FEEDING HABITS:
The short-eared owl feeds primarily on voles and other small rodents.
Small birds and insects make up a small portion of its diet.
RAPTOR
CENTER DATA:
An uncommon patient, short-eared owls are most often seen in the
fall during migration.
CONSERVATION STATUS:
The short-eared owl is listed as a species of special concern
in Minnesota. There has also been concern about the status
of this
owl in other parts
of the United States. Its population seems to be declining,
most likely due
to loss of prairie habitat.
Other Web Resources:
Animated GIFs
Teacher Lesson Plans
Short-eared Owl Range
Minnesota Ornithologists' Union bird range map
Additional Information (not specifically about owls):
Publications
