Short-eared Owl

About

The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl found in open country across much of the world. It is known for its buoyant, moth-like flight and often hunts during the day, especially at dawn and dusk. Its name comes from its very small, often inconspicuous ear tufts.

Size & lifespan

Length

34-43 cm (13-17 in)

Wingspan

90-110 cm (35-43 in)

Weight

200-475 g (7.1-16.8 oz)

Lifespan

Up to 13 years in the wild, typically 4-5 years

Diet

Carnivore, primarily small mammals (voles, mice, shrews), occasionally small birds and insects.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Overall buffy-brown and streaky. Upperparts are mottled brown with darker streaks, while underparts are pale buff to whitish with prominent dark brown streaking on the breast and flanks. The facial disc is pale, often whitish, with dark patches around the eyes, giving a 'masked' appearance. The wings have a distinctive dark carpal patch (wrist mark) on the underside, and dark tips to the primary feathers. The 'ear' tufts are very small and often not visible.

Beak shape

Small, sharply hooked, dark grey to black.

Eye color

Bright yellow, often appearing intense.

Leg color

Feathered legs and feet, yellowish-brown to greyish-brown.

Distinguishing features

Small ear tufts (often not visible), pale facial disc with dark eye patches, dark carpal patches on underwings, buoyant, moth-like flight, often seen hunting during the day.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but are often darker and more uniformly rufous-brown, especially on the underparts, with less distinct streaking. The facial disc may be less defined.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly worn or faded towards the end of the breeding season before molting.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are generally slightly larger and heavier than males, but plumage differences are subtle and not reliably used for field identification. Males may be slightly paler overall.

How to identify

1. 1

   Habitat and Activity

   Look for them in open grasslands, marshes, and fields, especially at dawn, dusk, or even during the day. If you see an owl flying low over open ground during daylight, it's likely a Short-eared Owl.

2. 2

   Flight Style

   Observe their flight: it's often described as buoyant, erratic, or moth-like, with deep, slow wing beats and frequent glides. They may hover briefly.

3. 3

   Plumage and Markings

   Note the streaky brown upperparts and pale, heavily streaked underparts. Crucially, look for the dark carpal patches (wrist marks) on the underside of the wings, which are very prominent in flight. The dark patches around the bright yellow eyes on a pale facial disc are also key.

4. 4

   Ear Tuft Size

   While their name suggests 'short ears,' these tufts are often so small they are not visible, especially when the bird is relaxed. Do not rely on seeing ear tufts for identification; rather, the *absence* of prominent ear tufts helps distinguish them from Long-eared Owls.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for the male's 'toot-toot-toot' hooting song during breeding season display flights, or the harsh 'kee-ow' alarm calls.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Grasslands, prairies, tundra, marshes, bogs, open fields, agricultural areas, coastal dunes.

Geographic range

Nearly cosmopolitan, breeding across North America, Eurasia, and parts of South America. Winters in southern parts of its breeding range and further south.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) in some mountainous regions, but typically found in lowlands.

Preferred environments

Open, treeless or sparsely treed habitats with abundant small mammal populations and suitable ground cover for nesting.

Behavior

Activity time

Crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) and diurnal, especially during winter or when feeding young. Less strictly nocturnal than many other owl species.

Feeding habits

Primarily hunts by flying low over open ground, often hovering or gliding, listening and watching for prey. When prey is detected, it drops swiftly onto it. Diet consists mainly of voles, but also shrews, mice, lemmings, and occasionally small birds, especially during winter or when mammal prey is scarce. Pellets are regurgitated, containing indigestible parts of prey.

Social behavior

Generally solitary or found in loose pairs during the breeding season. In winter, they may gather in communal roosts, sometimes numbering dozens of individuals, especially in areas with high prey availability.

Flight pattern

Distinctive buoyant, erratic, and moth-like flight with deep, slow wing beats. Often glides on uplifted wings. Can hover in place while hunting.

Migration pattern

Highly migratory in northern parts of its range, moving south for winter. Irruptive movements can occur in response to prey availability. Southern populations may be resident or undertake shorter, localized movements.

Territoriality

Males establish territories during the breeding season, defending them with aerial displays and vocalizations. Winter roosts are not territorial.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically April to July, but can vary geographically and with prey availability. May breed earlier in southern regions or later in northern regions.

Nesting habits

Nests on the ground, usually in a shallow scrape or depression, often concealed by dense vegetation. The female builds the nest, which is a simple cup lined with grass, weeds, and feathers. Nests are typically in open fields, marshes, or tundra.

Clutch size

3-11 eggs

Egg description

3-11 (typically 4-7) pure white, oval eggs. The number of eggs can vary significantly depending on prey abundance, with larger clutches laid during vole population peaks.

Incubation period

24-30 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Young leave the nest and begin to fly at about 26-32 days old, but are dependent on parents for several more weeks.

Parental care

Female incubates and broods the young. Male provides food for the female and young. Both parents defend the nest aggressively.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Time of Day. Best seen at dawn and dusk, but often active during the day, especially on cloudy days or in winter. Look for them hunting in the late afternoon.
2. Scan Open Areas. Use binoculars to scan large, open fields and marshes. They often perch on low posts, hummocks, or on the ground, but are most conspicuous in flight.
3. Look for Communal Roosts. In winter, several Short-eared Owls may gather at communal roosts in dense grass or low vegetation. Look for multiple birds flying out to hunt around sunset.
4. Check for Pellets. If you find a potential roosting area, look for owl pellets (regurgitated indigestible prey remains) on the ground, which can confirm their presence.
5. Be Patient and Observe. Their flight can cover large areas. Be patient and watch for their distinctive flight pattern over open terrain.

Similar species

Quick facts

Global Distribution:

Nearly cosmopolitan, one of the most widespread owl species.

Hunting Style:

Low, coursing flight over open ground, often hovering.

Ear Tuft Visibility:

Very small and often not visible, hence the name.

Diet Specialization:

Highly dependent on small mammals, especially voles.

Nesting:

Ground nester, often in dense vegetation.

Fun facts

• Short-eared Owls are one of the few owl species that are regularly active during daylight hours, especially in winter or when feeding young.
• Their population numbers can fluctuate dramatically in response to cycles of their primary prey, voles. In years of high vole populations, they may have larger clutches and higher breeding success.
• During courtship, males perform elaborate aerial displays, including a 'sky dance' where they clap their wings together under their body, producing a distinctive sound.
• They have excellent hearing, aided by asymmetrical ear openings, which allows them to pinpoint prey even under snow or dense vegetation.
• The species has 10 recognized subspecies, reflecting its vast global distribution.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Strigiformes

Family

Strigidae

Genus

Asio

Species

Asio flammeus

Explore the Short-eared Owl