What does the Short-eared Owl eat?

The Short-eared Owl's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

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

How it forages

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.

When it feeds

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

Explore the Short-eared Owl